Why Lustful Bath Has Moved Away from Cocoa Butter

At Lustful Bath, we have always been committed to using the highest quality ingredients to create the luxurious bath and body products you love. One of our favorite ingredients over the years has been cocoa butter, known for its moisturizing properties, creamy texture, and delicious aroma. However, due to a significant rise in cocoa butter prices and growing scarcity, we've made the difficult decision to stop using cocoa butter in our products. In this post, we’ll explain why and what you can expect moving forward.

The Surge in Cocoa Butter Prices

Over the past year, cocoa butter prices have surged to levels that have forced many industries to rethink its use. This sudden increase in cost can be traced to several key factors:

1. Climate Change Impact on Cocoa Harvests

   Cocoa butter is derived from cocoa beans, primarily grown in regions like West Africa, which supplies around 70% of the world's cocoa. However, increasingly erratic weather patterns—droughts, flooding, and temperature fluctuations—have affected crop yields. This has led to a decrease in the availability of raw cocoa beans, directly impacting the cost of cocoa butter.

2. Increasing Demand Across Industries

   Cocoa butter is not only used in the skincare industry; it's also a vital ingredient in the food and cosmetics sectors. A surge in demand from high-end chocolatiers and global beauty brands has added pressure on already limited cocoa supplies. This increased competition has driven up costs, making it unsustainable for small businesses like Lustful Bath to continue its use.

3. Supply Chain Disruptions

   The global supply chain has faced unprecedented disruptions due to geopolitical tensions and the aftermath of the pandemic. Many regions producing cocoa beans have struggled with export restrictions, shipping delays, and labor shortages. These disruptions have created a ripple effect throughout the supply chain, impacting the availability of cocoa butter and contributing to its rising prices.

Why Cocoa Butter Scarcity Matters

The scarcity of cocoa butter is not just a matter of increased cost; it's about sustainability and product integrity. As a small, independent business, we have always prioritized the quality and ethical sourcing of our ingredients. The current scarcity has made it challenging to source cocoa butter that meets our high standards, pushing us to find alternatives that don't compromise on the quality you expect from Lustful Bath.

Our Response: Embracing New Ingredients

While it’s hard to say goodbye to such a beloved ingredient, this change presents an opportunity to innovate. We are actively exploring alternatives that provide similar benefits to cocoa butter while being more sustainable and cost-effective. Some of the ingredients we’re excited to use include:

• Mango Butter: A fantastic lightweight alternative, mango butter is packed with vitamins A and E, providing hydration without a greasy feel.
• Kokum Butter: Sourced from the seeds of the kokum fruit, kokum butter is rich in essential fatty acids, deeply nourishing, and known for its ability to soothe dry and sensitive skin. It's a non-greasy option that absorbs easily, making it an excellent choice for our new formulations.

Our Commitment to Transparency

We understand that changes in ingredients can raise questions, especially when it involves a favorite component like cocoa butter. Rest assured, we will continue to prioritize transparency and will keep you informed about the ingredients we use and why we choose them. Our goal is to create the same indulgent and nourishing products you love, using alternatives that align with our values of sustainability and quality.

Thank You for Your Support

We appreciate your understanding as we navigate these changes. We believe that this shift will not only help us maintain the quality and affordability of our products but also allow us to contribute positively to a more sustainable and responsible beauty industry. Your support means the world to us, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you.

For those who have additional questions or want to learn more about our new ingredients, feel free to reach out to us or stay tuned to our blog for further updates!

Thank you for being part of the Lustful Bath community.

References:

1. World Cocoa Foundation – Discusses the impacts of climate change on cocoa crops and supply chain issues.
2. International Cocoa Organization – Provides data on cocoa butter pricing trends and industry demand.
3. Global Shea Alliance – Explores sustainable alternatives like kokum butter for skincare products.