Eight Reasons Skincare Professionals Love Coconut

What makes coconut and its related ingredients so effective? Our panel of experts break down the facts:

  • “Coconut oil works to make skin healthy, hydrated, supple, and glowing due to its high concentration of fatty acids. Lauric, capric, and caprylic acids are good fats that help with overall skin health. It’s also full of restorative proteins and vitamin E, which are loaded with antioxidants to keep skin ageless and protect against dryness.”—Gigi Goldman, cofounder, Kopari 
     
  • “Coconut oil is uniquely rich in mediumchain tryglycerides (MCT). These are saturated fats consisting of fatty acids having six to 14 carbon atoms. MCTs make excellent carrier oils, because their size allows them easy penetration of the epidermal layer to lower transepidermal water loss. Their fungal, anti-viral, and anti-microbial properties may well be attributed to their ability to penetrate and break down the cell membranes of microorganisms.”—Vivian Valenty, Ph.D., president, VB Cosmetics 
     
  • “Coconut oil has incredible moisturizing effects. When it is used, it can help lock in moisture, which in turn eliminates water loss and gives the skin a beautiful healthy glow.”—Ashley Stowers, account executive and national educator, CelleCle 
     
  • “We love the low melting point of coconut oil. It helps it melt beautifully into skin. And the milk is so versatile—for cleansers, moisturizers, and even bath soaks. It provides silky softness anywhere we incorporate coconut ingredients.”— Shannon McLinden, founder and president, FarmHouse Fresh 
     
  • “Besides being beneficial for the skin, coconut is excellent for the immune system. Coconut is antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic. It is very nutritious and full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, amino acids, and electrolytes. It is great for healthy, luminous hair and supports healthy bones and teeth.”—Thalia A. Walkup, business development manager, Body Bliss
     
  • “Coconut oil helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, because it has huge antioxidant properties. One hundred grams of coconut oil has about 0.1 mg of vitamin E, thus nourishing the skin’s properties.”—Emilie Hoyt, founder and CEO, Lather 
     
  • “Coconut oil and milk are high in saturated fats, vitamin E, and protein. When applied to the skin, they allow the skin to feel more moisturized and assist in repairing any damaged skin.”—Heidi Ackerman, vice president of marketing, Epicuren Discovery 
     
  • “Coconut oil is rich in anti-inflammatory benefits to soothe and soften skin while keeping it moisturized and nourished.” —Jennifer Yen, founder, Purlisse


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