Coconut Oil
TYPE OF INGREDIENT
Emollient
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Moisturizers, body oils, hair care products
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COCONUT OIL?
Coconut oil helps retain moisture in the skin by reducing trans-epidermal water loss and increasing surface lipid levels in the skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and enhances the function of the skin barrier. Used in hair care products, coconut oil can penetrate the hair shaft and nourish hair on a deeper level, promoting healthy hair growth. It also has antifungal properties and has been shown to improve dandruff.
WHAT IS COCONUT OIL?
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that is extracted from coconuts. It is rich in lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, and linoleic acid, which is an omega-6 fatty acid that helps retain moisture in the skin.
IS COCONUT OIL SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?
Coconut oil is safe for most skin types. However, its use on the face should be avoided in those with acne-prone skin, as it is comedogenic.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Coconut oil is safe for most skin types. However, its use on the face should be avoided in those with acne-prone skin, as it is comedogenic.
Sources:
Evangelista, M.T.P., Abad-Casintahan, F. and Lopez-Villafuerte, L. (2014), The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Int J Dermatol, 53: 100-108.
Varma SR, Sivaprakasam TO, Arumugam I, et al. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019;9(1):5-14.
Gavazzoni dias MF. Hair cosmetics: an overview. Int J Trichology. 2015;7(1):2-15.
Saxena R, Mittal P, Clavaud C, et al. Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Sci Rep. 2021;11(1):7220.
