A superb exotic oil with a delicious scent: Coconut oil! Obtained from the white pulp of the coconut, fruit of the coconut tree, native to the Indo-Malaysian tropical regions, this vegetable oil is a reference for skin and hair care. Lubricating, nourishing, moisturizing, it will be the ally of dry and sensitive skin. It also brings shine and radiance to dull, dry and damaged hair. Finally, it has undeniable nutritional benefits which justify, in addition to its exquisite taste, its use in cooking. Latin name: Cocos nucifera L. Part used: coconut pulp
This article was updated on 24/03/2023Main properties
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feeding :
this vegetable oil moisturizes the eyelids and all parts of the body where the skin is thin and sensitive, as well as the lips. It also perfectly hydrates the hair.
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hair strengthener :
coconut vegetable oil strengthens and adds shine to dry, dull and damaged hair. It is used both for prevention to protect your hair, and when it is damaged: it will strengthen it, restoring shine and tone!
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perfume :
this vegetable oil leaves its delicious coconut scent on the skin without leaving a greasy film.
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softening, moisturizing :
coconut vegetable oil hydrates and softens the driest and most sensitive areas of the body. It leaves skin soft and pleasant to the touch. Finally, it also has a refreshing effect during application.
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repellent :
certain components of its vegetable oil have repellent properties against various blood-sucking arthropods, and in particular against the tiger mosquito.
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anti-oxidant :
polynesian populations using coconut oil seem to have less cardiovascular risk, undoubtedly linked to the antioxidant properties of flavonoids. In addition, this antioxidant effect can be linked, to a certain extent, to an anti-inflammatory effect. Indeed, free radicals can intervene in the inflammatory phenomenon, so by neutralizing them, we reduce the risk of inflammation.
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antibacterial :
lauric acid, which is mainly present in coconut oil, exhibits antibacterial activity in vitro. Isolated, it inhibits the bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. However, this antibacterial activity is minimal and less than that of an antibiotic, but the richer the coconut oil is in lauric acid, the more antibacterial it will be.
Characteristics and composition
Cosmetic features
- Skin type: dry, all skin types, sensitive.
- Hair type: dry, damaged, brittle, frizzy.
Organoleptic characteristics
- Appearance: solid at 20°C, liquid at 28-30°C
- White colour
- Smell: coconut scent.
- Touch: dry.
- Taste: exotic, reminiscent of coconut.
Characteristics for formulation
- Unsaponifiable and active ingredients: vitamin E, vitamin A, polyphenols.
- Comedogenicity index: 4 (=fairly comedogenic)
- Average saponification index: 257
- Oxidation stability: excellent
- Stability at high temperatures: excellent
- Inci name: cocos nucifera oil
Fatty acid composition
- capric acid (AGS): 4 to 10%
- caprylic acid (AGS): 4 to 12%
- lauric acid (AGS): 40 to 55%
- linoleic acid (omega 6 PUFA): ≥ 4%
- myristic acid (AGS): 13 to 20%
- oleic acid (omega 9 MUFA): 3 to 12%
- palmitic acid (AGS): 6 to 12%
- stearic acid (SFA): 1 to 4%
Physical characteristics
- Density at 20°C: 0.907 to 0.925
- Flash point: 300
- Peroxide value: 10
- Acid number: 6,000
Botanical characteristics
- Botanical family: Arecaceae (Palms)
- Country of origin: India, Philippines.
- Distilled part: coconut pulp
- Obtaining process: first cold pressing
- Latin name: Cocos nucifera L.
Precautions for use
This vegetable oil solidifies below 20°C, so you must warm it between your hands or in a bain-marie before using it.
Authorized ways of use
Authorized users
Storage
Store preferably in a cool place, away from light and heat.
Nutritional benefits
In addition to its exquisite, sweet and exotic taste, coconut oil has very interesting nutritional properties in the context of certain pathologies such as alzheimer's disease where the diabetes. Indeed, it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) which, by producing more ketone bodies than long-chain triglycerides (LCT), contribute to better protection of the brain as well as better glucose tolerance. Additionally, lauric acid is known for its antiseptic properties, this is why it is sometimes used in the context of certain infections (digestive, skin, oral). Be careful though, coconut oil is not a miracle oil against Alzheimer's disease and diabetes. In fact, it can only accompany a balanced diet and should in no case replace medical treatment. It is also recommended to consult a doctor if you wish to consume this oil for therapeutic purposes.
In terms of use, virgin coconut oil has a fairly high smoke point at 177°C and is composed of stable saturated fatty acids, which allows its use in cooking as cooking oil (and in particular for planchas). The smoke point corresponds to the temperature at which an oil emits smoke, decomposes and denatures its fatty acids and therefore loses certain properties.
However, due to its high content of saturated fatty acids (87%), of which 71.6% of them are considered "bad fats" in case of excess (lauric, myristic and palmitic acid), it is preferable to consume it in a balanced way, and to vary with d other vegetable oils (camelina, flax, walnut, olive, etc.). In fact, these saturated fatty acids consumed in excess tend to promote the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, thromboses (blood clots) and excess cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
So enjoy the good taste of coconut vegetable oil in your diet from time to time, but don't overdo it!
- Usage tips :
To flavor your Coconut dishes, pour a few drops of vegetable oil into your pans, woks, exotic dishes, smoothies, salad sauces, pastries... And, for the most fans or the most vegans, you can replace the butter with a dab of coconut oil!
For the Dry hair, Damaged hair, Frizzy hair
Efficiency: ++++
Coconut vegetable oil is beneficial for hair. Thanks to the lauric acid present in large quantities, Coconut oil is the one that penetrates most easily and deeply into the heart of the hair fiber to repair it. It is recognized for its nourishing properties, but above all for its strengthening action. It hydrates the scalp, cleanses it and perfumes it pleasantly! It is renowned for its ability to make dull hair shine. Nourishing and softening, it is ideal for your scalp and promotes healthy hair! You can use it for dull, damaged and dry hair, and frizzy hair is a favorite! Nourishing and strengthening, Coconut oil is highly recommended for frizzy hair because it will soften the hair and coat it.
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Application advice :
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Dry or damaged hair: take a coconut oil bath once a week to deeply nourish the hair fiber. Apply coconut oil from roots to ends, before wrapping your hair in a warm towel to accelerate the penetration of the vegetable oil. The best thing to do is to put on a charlotte and leave the coconut oil on overnight before shampooing and conditioning the next morning.
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Frizzy hair : as a mask for at least 30 minutes, alone or mixed with other vegetable oils, coconut oil becomes a sculpting treatment for frizzy hair
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Complementary essential oil(s) :
coconut vegetable oil is good for the hair, and it shows because it is used in many cosmetic hair treatments. In the hair routine for dry hair, associated with the essential oil ofYlang ylang complete and of Fine Lavender, or in the routine for damaged hair with the oils of Roman chamomile and Lavender Aspic.
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Other suitable vegetable oils :
for your hair, vegetable oils Castor, d'Argan or Wheat germ are also very good!
For All skin types
Efficiency: ++++
There are many possible uses of coconut oil for the skin: whether you use it to moisturize it, cleanse it deeply or simply for its tropical scent that takes you on a journey, coconut oil will meet your expectations and delight your senses. In addition, its solid texture which becomes liquid below around twenty degrees allows easy use: the simple heat of your skin or a low temperature water bath is enough to melt it and makes it easier to use. Its composition makes it a vegetable oil which is suitable for all skin types, and particularly for dry and sensitive skin.
You can use it to protect your skin thanks to its vitamin E and its flavonoids (antioxidants), asemollient due to its large proportion of saturated fatty acids, to nourish your skin in case ofeczema, in a two-phase makeup remover, and even for a massage or one scrub !
In case of'Tooth abscess, Teeth (whiten)
Efficiency: ++++
L'oil pulling (or Gandouch in Ayurveda) is a traditional Indian practice which consists of making a mouthwash with vegetable oil every morning, upon rising, for 10 to 20 minutes. So, you can use a tablespoon of coconut vegetable oil in this way, and do about 10 to 20 minutes of mouthwash every morning (and in the shower to save time!). To do this, it is best to liquefy the oil in a water bath before making the mouthwash.
Once in your mouth, coconut oil takes at least 10 minutes to act as a natural cleaning agent on your teeth and gums. After 2 to 4 weeks of practice, you should see a clear difference in your teeth.
Its action is due to lauric acid, also called dodecanoic acid, which is antimicrobial and fights tartar. Thus, coconut vegetable oil helps eliminate lipophilic toxins from your mouth, reduce the risk of cavities and give you fresh breath.
As'Anti-insect
Efficiency: ++
We don't expect it here, but nevertheless, coconut oil would have repellent effects on certain insects blood drinkers. Although the fatty acids responsible are not yet precisely known, it is certain that lauric acid has antibacterial properties. Thus, it is undoubtedly the latter, with other molecules, which contributes to this repulsive effect.
But be careful, this effect is not extremely powerful, and it will not be enough to brush yourself with coconut oil to avoid tick, mosquito or bed bug bites. But combined with essential oil of Java lemongrass, why not !
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Bibliography
Publication: Zhu, JJ, Cermak, SC, Kenar, JA, Brewer, G., Haynes, KF, Boxler, D., . . . Taylor, D.B. (2018). Better than DEET Repellent Compounds Derived from Coconut Oil. Scientific Reports, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32373-7
Publication: Wallace, T. C. (2018). Health Effects of Coconut Oil—A Narrative Review of Current Evidence. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(2), 97–107. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1497562
Publication: Nitbani, F.O., Jumina, Siswanta, D., & Solikhah, EN (2016). Isolation and Antibacterial Activity Test of Lauric Acid from Crude Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera L.). Procedia Chemistry, 18, 132–140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.proche.2016.01.021
Publication: Ghani, NAA, Channip, A., Chok Hwee Hwa, P., Ja'afar, F., Yasin, H.M., & Usman, A. (2018). Physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacities, and metal contents of virgin coconut oil produced by wet and dry processes. Food Science & Nutrition, 6(5), 1298–1306. https://doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.671
Publication: Silva, RR, e Silva, DO, Fontes, HR, Alviano, CS, Fernandes, PD, & Alviano, DS (2013). Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Cocos nucifera var. typica. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 13(1), 107.
Publication: Esquenazi, D., Wigg, MD, Miranda, MM, Rodrigues, HM, Tostes, JB, Rozental, S., ... & Alviano, CS (2002). Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of polyphenolics from Cocos nucifera Linn.(Palmae) husk fiber extract. Research in microbiology, 153(10), 647-652.
Work : de la Charie, T. (2019). Treat yourself with essential oils. Why and how does it work? Editions du Rocher.
Work : Chesman, S. (2012). Vegetable oils and their benefits - Relieve, beautify and care for the body. Quebecor Editions.
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