Coconut oil has risen in popularity due to its versatility. It provides various wellness and health benefits.
Coconut Oil is made from the kernel or meat of the coconut. The difference between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil is the proportion and types of MCT molecules they contain. MCT oil contains 100% MCTs(medium-chain triglycerides), which are a type of saturated fat. They come from refined raw coconut or palm oil.
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. Lauric acid has been found to have antimicrobial properties which helps kill bacteria on the skin and reduces inflammation. Coconut oil also contains high linoleic acid levels, which is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid that can be used an emollient and skin soother.
The best part about coconut oil is that you can use it for both your skin and hair. You can also use it to soothe a sunburn, remove makeup, and as Chapstick. The best coconut oil can also come in handy when dealing with keratosis pilaris, a skin condition that causes dry bumps.
When choosing a coconut oil to add to your skincare or body care routine, it's important to be extremely cautious. The best coconut oil for your skin is organic and unrefined coconut oil. It can either be refined or unrefined and when cold-pressed, its health benefits increase. The more processed coconut oil, the less likely it is to have all the nutrients and fatty acids your body and skin require.
Keep reading to know the best coconut oils for your skin and what you should look out for when picking the best one for you. We also included a guide on how to use coconut oil.
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The Best Coconut Oils For Skin
Garden of Life Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is 100% natural and organic. The coconut oil is USDA certified and cold-pressed from non-GMO coconuts from Sri Lanka. It is free of bleach, hexane, and transfat, making it one of the healthiest products you can use on your body.
You can also use it for cooking as it's a healthier alternative to other vegetable oils. It can be incorporated into your hair care routine and used as a hair mask or conditioner. The coconut oil can be used as well as a makeup remover and is gentle on your skin.
If you enjoy aromatherapy, you can mix and match coconut oil with your essential oils. Don't be afraid to get creative when using this oil.
Pros
Cons
Nutiva virgin coconut oil can easily be considered one of the best products on the market. The ratings themselves are proof of how popular it is. It is a cold-pressed, virgin, and unrefined coconut oil, making it rich in nutrients and benefits. You can even use it as a food ingredient as it has a very light taste and is also healthy.
The coconut oil provides nutrient-rich hydration as a natural moisturizer for your skin and hair and is great for massages. The oil is GMO-free and does not contain any hexane, nor were any chemicals or any heat used to create it. It's vegetarian, paleo, and vegan-friendly.
The company partners with organic farmers to source the world’s finest fresh, organic virgin coconuts; hence you can ensure that the coconut oil is of high quality.
Pros
Cons
Unlike other types of coconut oil that are made from dried coconuts, virgin coconut oil is made from raw, fresh coconut meat in its most natural state. BetterBody Foods coconut oil is organic, cold-pressed, and non-GMO.
It contains about 60% MCTs which are great for your body and skin. It has a smoke point of 350 degrees which makes it suitable for medium-heat cooking and baking. Its cold-pressed state gives the oil a mild and pleasant coconut taste and aroma.
The coconut oil is sourced from the Philippines and Sri Lanka, but BetterBody Foods does the packaging in the United States at its headquarters in Utah.
Pros
Cons
Viva Naturals fractionated coconut oil seeks to take care of your whole body from your hair down to your nails. The oil remains liquid throughout so no need to worry about warming it up. As a body oil, it hydrates your skin and can also be used as a massage oil.
If you enjoy doing your nails, you can use it when doing your manicures and pedicures as a cuticle oil to moisturize your nails. It's lightweight and non-greasy. You can also use the coconut oil as a hair moisturizer or hair conditioner.
The coconut oil doubles up as a carrier oil; hence you can use it to create other creams and mix it up with different essential oils.
The oil has no color and no strong fragrance, except for its natural one. It is 100 % certified USDA organic oil and certified non-GMO.
This oil is rich in antioxidants, and it can soften your skin and tame your hair. It easily absorbs into your skin, hence allowing you to experience results much faster.
Pros
Cons
The Garden of Life coconut oil is cold-pressed, and this locks in all nutrients and benefits that your skin is sure to love. It is unrefined, USDA certified organic, Non-GMO verified, and not hydrogenated, bleached, refined, or deodorized.
The Coconut oil can also be used for cooking, baking and you can mix it into your smoothies. It's a great addition to your beauty routine as you can use it as a deep conditioning hair treatment or a natural skin moisturizer. With all its certifications, this makes it one of the highest quality coconut oils you can buy. It comes in three sizes—14, 29, and 56 ounces—so you can purchase as much, or as little, as you want.
Pros
Cons
How To Buy The Best Coconut Oil For Your Skin
a) Read The Label
When buying your coconut oil, it's important to read the label. Look for important terms like:
- Organic- This means it was extracted from coconuts that were grown without pesticides
- Virgin - The oil was extracted from fresh coconuts
- Non-hydrogenated - Hydrogenating coconut oil is a result of a product that contains more dangerous trans fats
b) Cold Pressed vs. Expeller -Pressed
Cold Pressed coconut oil is made by pressing the oil out of the meat of the coconut without heat or chemicals. Expeller Pressed coconut oil is when a machine is used to press the oil out of the meat of the coconut using either heat or steam. The difference between the two comes down to the nutritional value. Cold-pressed oil is assumed to be better as there is no interference.
c) Seals of Approval
There are symbols that indicate if the coconut oil is high quality. Some of the key ones to look out for are:
- Non-GMO Seal of Approval - This certifies that the coconut oil is not genetically modified
- USDA Certified (United States Department of Agriculture)
- Fairtrade Certified - This certifies that the coconut oil is ethically sourced
d) Try fractionated oils
Fractionated coconut oil is made from regular coconut oil and consists mainly of the medium-chain fatty acids capric acid and caprylic acid. The compounds that make coconut oil remain in solid form at room temperature are removed. Hence, the result is a less greasy and more lightweight, and liquid option for your skin. This makes it a great choice to use as a carrier oil or base for DIY beauty products or essential oils.
e) Steer clear of RBD oils
RBD Coconut oil means that it has been refined, bleached, and deodorized. It contains high levels of lauric and caprylic acid, making it more suitable for cooking and not your skin.
f) Check the color
If you notice that the coconut oil has a yellow or gray tint, don't buy it. This coloration could be a sign of contamination.
g) Food-grade
Always ensure to check if your coconut has a food-grade label. This is crucial if you're planning to consume it in any form.
How To Use Coconut Oil For Skin
Coconut Oil has various benefits and can be used for different purposes. However, it's important to know how to use it appropriately. Some coconut oil products have different textures and fragrances depending on how they were made.
a) Body Butter or Body Lotion
You can use your coconut oil as a body butter or body lotion. Once you take a shower, all you have to do is moisturize your body with it. Coconut oil works well as body butter because it is rich in saturated fat. Coconut oil can also be used as massage oil which is great for soothing those aches and pains after a long day.
b) Detox Bath Treatment
A detox bath now and then is great for your body. All you need to is add a cup of coconut oil and a cup of Epsom salt into your bathtub and relax for at least half an hour. This will help your mind unwind. If you want to take it up a notch, you can include some little essential oil of your choice.
c) Can Treat Diaper Rash
If you've got a little one, diaper rash is often a common occurrence. You can use coconut oil the same you would use regular diaper rash cream. It's best to try it out and monitor the results. If the rash clears, you can consistently use it. You can also use it as a moisturizer cream for your baby's skin after their bath time. They'll love the smell, and their skin will be protected against bacteria.
d) Use It As A Hand Cream
You can use coconut oil as a hand cream, especially if your skin gets dry during the cold season. All you have to do is apply it at least once a day on your hands. It easily absorbs into your skin, leaving it smooth with no dry patches.
d) Use It As Makeup Remover
You can use coconut oil as a makeup remover. All you need is a cotton pad and your choice of organic coconut oil. Not only will it leave your face clean, but it also hydrates your skin. Your eyes are not irritated during the process. The only downside is the smell which is dependent on the oil you're using.
e) Use a First Step Face Wash
Since coconut oil is naturally antifungal, antibacterial, and moisturizing, many women swear by its use as a nighttime moisturizer for their face. Here's a great oil cleansing method you can try: The first step is to rub the coconut oil in circular motions all over your face and neck while giving yourself a gentle massage as you go. Once you’re done, cleanse again with your favorite gentle face wash to ensure all the residue has been rinsed off.
