Palmers s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

Palmers s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

Efficacy58/100IrritancyMedium
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Works for

2 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
18 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Pure Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Natural Oils, Collagen, Elastin and Lutein keep skin moisturised and supple for 48 hours allowing skin to stretch more easily.”
Source: Boots

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: soluble collagen, glucose.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, cocos nucifera oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: petrolatum

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.75–1.15%
PetrolatumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighOne of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss~2.4–2.9%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~1–1.2%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~1.1–1.4%
Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.1–1.3%
Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~1.4–1.7%
Soluble collagenKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.15%
Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.5%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~2–2.5%
Elaeis guineensis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.1–1.4%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens the skin~3.8–4.7%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.65–0.95%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.45%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~29–36%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.55–0.8%
Myristyl alcohol· EmollientEffect: LowHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating~0.2–0.4%
Argania spinosa kernel oilUnder-dosedEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.9–1.15%
Betula alba bark extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHas astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritating~0.65–1%
Anti-aging
4 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support
What the product description says
“Enriched with new Bio C-Elaste ™, pure Cocoa and Shea Butters and Vitamin E, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks has been proven to help improve skin’s elasticity and moisture.”
Source: Feelunique

This product contains centella asiatica extract. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.75–1.15%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.1–1.3%
TocopherolEffect: LowPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~29–36%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~3.8–4.7%
Evens skin tone
No ingredient credited for this claim
No support
What the product description says
“Helps improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.”
Source: Boots

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 8 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product contains antioxidants (tocopherol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - centella asiatica extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

TocopherolKey activeEffect: HighPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~29–36%
Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.75–1.15%
Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.5%
Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~1.1–1.3%
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oilEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin~3.8–4.7%
Polygonum cuspidatum root extractEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the product~0.7–1.05%
Betula alba bark extractEffect: Low, below effective doseHas astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritating~0.65–1%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: Low, below effective doseAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~0.9–1.15%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~1.6–1.9%est.
Betula alba bark extractHas astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.65–1%est.
Isopropyl alcoholA drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritationHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.3–0.5%est.
Myristyl alcoholHelps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Glycol stearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.8–2.2%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.9–1.15%est.
Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.75–1.15%est.
Polygonum cuspidatum root extractA plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the productMedium~0.7–1.05%est.
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrateA preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determineMedium~0.65–1%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~0.6–0.9%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.55–0.8%est.
XanthophyllsA yellow colorantMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~0.45–0.7%est.
Peg-8 stearateHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.
Behentrimonium methosulfateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.
Comedogenic
7 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
7 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Theobroma cacao extract—3/5~5.2–6.3%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.4–1.7%est.
Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~1.2–1.5%est.
Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~1.1–1.3%est.
Zea mays starchUsed to thicken the product's consistency3/5~0.45–0.7%est.
Propylene glycol stearate—2/5~2.6–3.2%est.
Peg-8 stearateHelps water and oil mix together2/5~0.45–0.65%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Made with
Not recognized
Tocopherol~29–36%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-inflammatory

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Water~12–14%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Theobroma cacao extract~5.2–6.3%
Comedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
More about Theobroma cacao extract
Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil~3.8–4.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

An emollient that softens the skin

More about Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil
Propylene glycol stearate~2.6–3.2%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing
More about Propylene glycol stearate
Petrolatum~2.4–2.9%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the most effective and the most studied occlusive ingredients that creates a protective layer on top of the skin preventing moisture loss

More about Petrolatum
Cetyl alcohol~2–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Glycol stearate~1.8–2.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Glycol stearate
Propylene glycol~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Cocos nucifera oil~1.4–1.7%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Theobroma cacao seed butter~1.2–1.5%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Elaeis guineensis oil~1.1–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Elaeis guineensis oil
Dimethicone~1.1–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.1–1.3%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter
Tocopheryl
Not recognized
Helianthus annuus seed oil~1–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Soluble collagen~0.95–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A typically plant-derived compound that is supposed mimic human collagen. Cannot penetrate the skin barrier so is not particularly useful in skincare products beyond attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Soluble collagen
Hydrolyzed elastin~0.95–1.15%
Formula
Argania spinosa kernel oil~0.9–1.15%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Centella asiatica extract~0.75–1.15%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract
Boswellia serrata extract~0.7–1.05%
Formula
Betula alba bark extract~0.65–1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Has astringent properties. Creates a tightening and drying effect on the skin. Can be irritating

More about Betula alba bark extract
Polygonum cuspidatum root extract~0.7–1.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that can contain resveratrol, an antioxidant that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. The effectiveness depends on the extract quality and concentration in the product

More about Polygonum cuspidatum root extract
Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative that comes from radishes fermented by a bacteria. New research suggests that the preservation properties in the ingredient come from an ammonium salt that is not present naturally in radish root but used in its cultivation. Is problematic because the exact amount of the preservative agents is difficult to determine

More about Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate
Acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine~0.65–1%
Formula
Sodium ascorbate~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Glucose~0.65–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Sodium benzoate~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate
Hydroxyacetophenone~0.6–0.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
1,2-hexanediol~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Caprylyl glycol~0.55–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Xanthophylls~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A yellow colorant

More about Xanthophylls
Zea mays starch~0.45–0.7%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Mattifying

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Zea mays starch
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.45–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Isopropyl alcohol~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A drying alcohol. Can increase skin's sensitivity and cause dryness and irritation

More about Isopropyl alcohol
Peg-8 stearate~0.45–0.65%
Comedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Peg-8 stearate
Ethyl lauroyl arginate hci
Not recognized
Parfum~0.3–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Behentrimonium methosulfate~0.3–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Behentrimonium methosulfate
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Caramel~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Caramel
Cellulose~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Can be used to help absorb oil as well as add volume and imporve texture of products.

More about Cellulose
Sodium acetate~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium acetate
Stearyl alcohol~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Stearyl alcohol
Myristyl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to stabilize the product formulation while softening the upper layer of the skin. Can be irritating

More about Myristyl alcohol
Lauryl alcohol~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Lauryl alcohol
Ingredient list view

Unknown, Tocopherol, Water, Theobroma cacao extract, Prunus amygdalus dulcis oil, Propylene glycol stearate, Petrolatum, Cetyl alcohol, Glycol stearate, Propylene glycol, Cocos nucifera oil, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Elaeis guineensis oil, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Unknown, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Soluble collagen, Hydrolyzed elastin, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Centella asiatica extract, Boswellia serrata extract, Betula alba bark extract, Polygonum cuspidatum root extract, Leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl diphenylglycine, Sodium ascorbate, Glucose, Sodium benzoate, Hydroxyacetophenone, 1,2-hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Xanthophylls, Zea mays starch, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Isopropyl alcohol, Peg-8 stearate, Unknown, Parfum, Behentrimonium methosulfate, Butylene glycol, Caramel, Cellulose, Sodium acetate, Stearyl alcohol, Myristyl alcohol, Lauryl alcohol

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Amazon USPrice as of 10/15/2026 06:11 GMT
$21.05
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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "Palmers - s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Palmers - s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks ticks this box. Soluble collagen, glucose, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Petrolatum, theobroma cacao seed butter, butyrospermum parkii butter, cocos nucifera oil and dimethicone in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.

Irritation risk

We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails for 5.47CA$ in Canada, for 15.95A$ in Australia, for 12.48$ in the United States and from 5.97£ up to 7.35£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 31 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Vitamin E in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Vitamin E and Skin Healthlpi.oregonstate.edu
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
Palmers s Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks
Palmerss Cocoa Butter Formula Massage Cream for Stretch Marks

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.