Coconut Oil
A rich plant oil that softens dry skin and seals in moisture; best kept to the body or rinse-off cleansers if you’re breakout-prone.
Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, virgin coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil
Dry & dehydrated skin
What it does
A favourite in both skincare products and on its own, coconut oil is a rich moisturiser for dry skin, especially on the body. However, make sure you’re sourcing cold pressed and raw coconut oil, and that it’s free of any additives.
How it works
Rich in saturated fatty acids, especially lauric acid, coconut oil is an emollient that softens the skin and slows water loss. It is best avoided on the face if you’re prone to congestion or breakouts, as it can clog pores. In formulas it is valued for its texture: it melts on contact with the skin, which makes it a favourite in cleansing balms and rich creams.
MG says
A nourishing multi-tasker, coconut oil is ideal to use on dry skin during winter. Lather over the entire body as a moisturiser after a warm shower while skin is still damp for optimum results. On the face, a rinse-off formula is the gentler way to use it: Augustinus Bader The Cleansing Balm pairs coconut oil with other plant oils to lift even waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
Cautions
Coconut oil can clog pores, so avoid leave-on use on the face if you’re prone to congestion or breakouts. Occasionally it can cause an allergic reaction, so patch test first.
