3 Extraordinary Uses For Coconut Oil

When we’re on the hunt discovering real ingredients, we look for those that are hardworking, beneficial to the skin, and versatile to other areas of health, too. That’s the thing with skin care products – the products we use can absorb through our skin and enter our blood stream. So that’s why every ingredient in a Sally B’s product is chosen with intent.

But then there are the ingredients that can be used in different applications throughout our daily lives, too. It’s not often we find such an all-star ingredient, but coconut oil is one that tops our list. You can cook with it, eat it, and apply it to your skin – all with great results!

First it should be noted for its superb skin care qualities (click here to learn more about the skin care benefits of coconut oil). We use organic coconut oil in our products and when we do it can:

• Reverse the signs of aging because of its antioxidant properties, specifically Vitamin E
• Moisturize even the most dry and itchy of skin.
• Soothe symptoms of psoriasis and eczema.

Other uses (indirectly related to skin health, of course) of coconut oil include, but are not limited to:

Use as a coffee creamer

More and more is being written about using coconut oil in coffee. While it may not fully alter the taste like milk or cream, it does a great job of cutting the bitterness of coffee, and a whole lot more. The fatty acids in coconut oil are medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Most of the fats we consumer are long chain fatty acids, which means are bodies have to work hard to break them down. MCFAs, on the other hand, are broken down more efficiently and sent directly to the liver to give the body an instant source of energy. Plus, after drinking a cup your lips will feel very soft and conditioned.

Protect and moisturize hair

Coconut oil is chock full of the antioxidant Vitamin E, which is very protective to the hair’s roots and strands. When regularly used, coconut oil can also seal in moisture and protect against environmental factors and damaging heat. Add to your regular hair care routine by massaging 1-2 tablespoons into scalp and letting it absorb in for a few minutes before rinsing it off.

Cook with it

Coconut oil is a superb replacement to other cooking oils and its health benefits are just as noteworthy. According to Dr. Oz, studies have shown that regular intake of coconut oil can build a resistance to viruses and bacteria that cause illness. The health and wellness expert also goes on to explain that it can reduce cholesterol levels. And remember how MCFAs can boost energy? They also increase metabolism, which can contribute to weight loss.

To see if your product has coconut oil in it, look for its INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name on the label. Coconut oil is Cocos Nucifera, and of course we recommend using organic Cocos Nucifera. It’s important not to confuse it with cocamide diethanolamine (or cocamide DEA), which is a chemically modified form of coconut oil that is used as an emulsifying to make products creamy. This unreal ingredient has shown to be an allergen and can cause mild cases of dermatitis.

There are hundreds of uses for coconut oil, but we have only divulged three of our favorite uses outside of our makeup bag. What do you use coconut oil for?