Best Coconut Oil For Body Lotion

It wasn’t until writing my most recent cookbook – Coconut Kitchen - that I became passionate about all the different coconut oil uses for skin and hair. While researching and developing ingredients for my recipes, I discovered the amazing naturally occurring nutrients and versatility that coconut oil contains and it made me think – is coconut oil good for the body?

I first started experimenting with coconut oil as a body moisturizer, but soon I was using it on my face, hair, elbows, toes – all over. There was something so liberating about using one product for a variety of uses – not to mention that I was truly getting the glow!

Using coconut oil is now trendy, but what about using it as a makeup remover, an eye cream, a shaving oil, even a treatment for diaper rash?  What else could it be used for?

The benefits of using coconut oil for your body are abundant and well informed. It’s rich in fatty acids, which is not only great for moisturizing the skin, but it also increases skin elasticity.

It can also be anti-aging as it contains many antioxidants and vitamins (vitamin E included) – all of which help to heal and protect the skin.

Here are some commonly asked questions about using coconut oil for face, body and hair:

What are the benefits of coconut oil on body?

While most people understand coconut oil is a great moisturizer, the benefits extend well beyond that. Because of the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil, it also possesses antimicrobial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce irritation and heal skin. Almost all skin irritation is a product of inflammation so reducing inflammation is a big step when it comes to improving skin conditions.

The lauric acid content – which makes up 50% of the fatty acids found in coconut oil, has been known to have antibacterial properties and may help fight harmful organisms. This is also why coconut oil has been recommended for fungal rashes like diaper rash, and other yeast related rashes. It’s also is excellent for wound healing and improving scarring.

It may also help to even skin tone, treat acne, and improve skin texture. Coconut oil as body lotion, or a moisturizer is only a small part of its many benefits.

So, is coconut oil good for your body?

The answer is absolutely yes!

How should you use coconut oil as a moisturizer?

Although this may seem like a really basic question, there is a better way to apply coconut oil than just slathering it on dry skin. Our product  – The Balm – doesn’t only contain coconut oil. We work with a lot of other amazing butters and oils in order to improve the emollient qualities and absorbency. If you want to just apply coconut oil body oil straight to your skin the best way to do it is when you are well exfoliated and slightly damp. Dry brushing before a shower, and then applying the coconut oil once you have patted dry is one of the best ways to boost efficacy and help the coconut oil lock in moisture to get the maximum benefits. When you apply oil directly to dry skin it tends to sit on top of your skin, but when you apply to damp skin, it blends with the water, and absorbs deeply. Not to mention that it feels so good!

Are all coconut oil products created equally? 

No. Just like the food you eat, organic and unrefined is the absolute best coconut oil for body. Coconut oil (or any plant based oil or butter for that matter) that is organic and unrefined is still rich with all the vitamins and minerals that nature intend. This gives you the full spectrum of nutrients and makes it the most nourishing and beneficial. We’d like to think that we produce the best vegan skincare line possible because of the quality of our ingredients. We obsess over our sourcing.

Is The Balm a coconut oil body lotion? Or a coconut oil body cream?

The technical definition of a lotion or a cream means that they contain water and oil. Lotions and creams can be one of the best ways to moisturize skin, because as mentioned in the above, the addition of water boosts the absorbent qualities and helps the oils penetrate the skin. The problem with adding water to a formula is that you then open the door to growing bacteria and thus create the need for added preservatives. Lotion and cream formulas are also much more complicated, and by nature they are diluted.

The Balm is more of a coconut oil body butter. It doesn’t only contain coconut oil, but also kokum butter, mango butter, borage oil and moringa oil - all of which are deeply nourishing and provide unique benefits to our formula. Because it is oil and butter based, the best way to apply The Balm is to damp skin (after a bath or shower). This way, you are getting the added benefit of locking in the moisture  – thus creating your own lotion or cream on your skin topically.

In a nutshell (pun intended) coconut oil is a wonderful, rich, versatile ingredient that can be used on its own or in combination with other ingredients. It’s one of our favorite plant based oils and the results speak for themselves. Try it for yourself and see!

We wouldn't be anywhere without the amazing support and feedback we get from our community. Here’s a few words from one of our recent customers about our organic skin care products. Thank you! We appreciate and love you all!

“I use this product to moisturize my face, arms and knees, and to remove makeup. My skin absorbs it completely with no residue. It has a natural fresh smell that I love and it travels with me everywhere. I gave it as gifts for xmas and everyone loved it. My sister-in-law is sensitive to many products, but she uses this one without any problems. It's also very popular as a conditioner for hair! A great addition to my shelf of favorite natural products. Excellent price.”

- Karen F