Chocolate's more than just a good mood-elevator after a hard day.

Research shows that cocoa, the main ingredient in chocolate, is loaded with beauty and health benefits that include antioxidant powers and a stress-relieving scent.

Beauty companies have taken note and introduced chocolate-laden products in droves. We help you navigate through the well of chocolaty beauty with five inexpensive, Black girl-friendly picks.

Cocoa Vanilla Soap ($4.95, Smallflower Trading Co.): With extracts of pure cocoa and vanilla, you'll smell like an ice cream sundae when you're done using this old-fashioned soap. And the oil extracts in this product will keep your skin from drying out in the shower.

mark For Goodness Face Antioxidant Skin Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 ($15, mark): Packed with antioxidant ingredients, like blueberries and dark chocolate, and a super-high SPF, this moisturizer is the ultimate in skin protection. It's also oil-free (shiny faces are always a no-no) and fragrance-free for allergic sisters.

Carol's Daughter Chocolate Body Butter ($18, Dillard's): Not many brands know what Black women need like Carol's Daughter, so they're the only ones we'll trust with the ever-important moisturizing step. This butter is full of skin-soothing oils and a has a delicious scent.

Chocolate Whipstick Lip Balm ($8.75, Lush): Introduce your lips to the same super-hydrating power your body is treated to with this cocoa-rich treatment. The balm is also infused with fruit oils, honey and vanilla.

Cocoa Butter Body Scrub ($20, The Body Shop): Cocoa butter and soy oil make this scrub ideal for dry skin. Plus, knowing that The Body Shop purchases cocoa butter from Ghana, Africa using fair trade practices makes this scrub even more appealing.

Is anyone else hungry? 

-- Whitney Teal

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