Coconut Oil – Ingredient spotlight

Coconut Oil spotlight.

When I began developing the idea for our shaving cream coconut oil was one of the first ingredients on my list. This is because it is an incredibly versatile ingredient that has been widely used in a variety of products not just skincare.

In this article, we will have a look the benefits and reasons I chose to use coconut oil in the Pure Shave shaving cream. Plus some additional uses for it that you may not be aware of.

How is it made?

There are many different ways to make coconut oil and each method produces a different grade of oil, similar to that of olive oil production.

It can be made from either dried coconut flesh (Copra) or from the ‘meat’ of a freshly opened coconut.

The first step in making coconut oil from copra is to dry the kernels (white flesh). They are typically spread out on drying racks in the sun or dried using mechanical dryers. Once dried, the copra is then crushed or ground to extract the oil, using one of several different methods.

Cold pressing 

This involves pressing the copra to extract the oil without the use of heat or chemicals. This process produces a high-quality oil that retains most of its nutrients and natural flavour.

Expeller-pressing

Expeller-pressing uses a mechanical press to extract the oil at higher temperatures. This process is faster than cold-pressing but may result in a slightly lower quality oil due to the heat.

Solvent extraction

As the title suggests this method uses chemicals such as hexane to extract the oil from the copra. This process is faster and more efficient than cold-pressing or expeller-pressing, but it may leave trace amounts of chemicals in the oil.

Wet Milling

Finally, there is a method called wet-milling, which involves extracting the oil from fresh coconut meat rather than dried copra. This process produces a high-quality oil that is rich in nutrients and flavour, but it is more time-consuming and expensive than other methods.

Benefits

Moisturising

Coconut oil is an excellent moisturiser that can help keep the skin hydrated and soft. When used in shaving cream, it helps to prevent skin from becoming dry and irritated, which is a common problem for many people who suffer from shaving rash. Together with Sweet Almond Oil, this is the reason that when using Pure Shave your skin is left feeling soft, supple and hydrated post shave.

Check out our blog post on Sweet Almond Oil HERE 

Antimicrobial Properties

Coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties that can help protect skin from bacterial and fungal infections. This is especially important for people who suffer from skin conditions such as acne, as the oil can help prevent the spread of infection.

Rich in Antioxidants

Coconut oil is rich in antioxidants that help protect skin from damage caused by UV light, pollution, chemicals and toxins found in the home or workplace and even extreme weather. These antioxidants can help to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, and keep skin looking young and healthy.

Soothing

Coconut oil has natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin that has been irritated by shaving. This makes it a great choice for people who suffer from skin conditions such as razor burn or ingrown hairs. The addition of Coconut Oil to our formula made such a great difference during the R&D stage that it was impossible to leave out.

Nourishing

Coconut oil is packed with vitamins and minerals that are essential for skin health. When used in shaving cream, it helps to nourish and rejuvenate skin, keeping it looking healthy and radiant.

Did You Know…

Cooking

Coconut oil is widely used in cooking as a healthy alternative to other cooking oils. It is particularly popular in tropical and Asian cuisine, where it is used to add flavour and texture to a variety of dishes.

Hair Care

Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in hair care products, as it helps to nourish and strengthen hair. When used as a hair mask, it can help to prevent damage, reduce frizz, and add shine to hair.

Body Moisturiser

Coconut oil is also used as a body moisturiser, as it is easily absorbed by the skin and leaves it feeling soft and hydrated. It is especially popular in warm climates, where it can help to prevent skin from becoming dry and flaky.

Pet Care

Coconut oil is not just good for humans, but also for pets. It can be used as a natural remedy to treat skin conditions in dogs and cats, and also as a food supplement to promote a healthy coat and skin.

In conclusion

Coconut oil is a hugely versatile ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits. As an ingredient in our shaving cream, it helps to hydrate, soothe, and protect skin, making it a great choice for those who want to keep their skin looking and feeling its best.

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