Theobromine is a methylxanthine alkaloid derived from cacao (Theobroma cacao), used in skincare for its antioxidant and mild anti-inflammatory properties. It is sometimes included to help soothe skin and protect against oxidative stress.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Typically transient and associated with higher concentrations or sensitive skin. |
Contact dermatitis / allergic sensitization | Rare | Reported infrequently; patch testing advised for those with known cacao sensitivities. |
Stinging or itching on application | Rare | Usually resolves shortly after application. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.