The Basics On Coconut Oil
What is Coconut Oil?
Non-volatile plant kernel oil that has emollient properties for skin.
What are other names for Coconut Oil?
ACIDULATED COCONUT SOAPSTOCK; COCONUT ACIDULATED SOAPSTOCK; COCONUT EXTRACT, COCONUT ABSOLUTE, COCONUT FATTY ACID TRIGLYCERIDE, COCONUT OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, COCOS NUCIFERA OIL, and COPRA OIL
What is Coconut Oil used for?
The many beneficial effects of coconut oil on our skin include: Coconut oil has been reported to offer antimicrobial and skin barrier repair properties to help alleviate the symptoms of xerosis, atopic dermatitis (eczema) and acne8 Skin moisturizer Coconut oil has been shown as effective and safe as mineral oil when applied as a moisturizer in the treatment of xerosis1. Topical applications of virgin coconut oil were shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of the disease, ameliorating disease severity index (SCORAD), and improving barrier function (TEWL and skin capacitance)3. Protection of the skin from effects of UV radiation Coconut oil has been shown to ameliorate adverse skin reaction to UV exposure and block out up to 20% of UV rays from affecting the skin4. Anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic properties Coconut oil contains almost 50% lauric acid. Monolaurin, a derivative of lauric acid in coconut oil, exhibits anti-viral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. These properties serve to protect them against microbial attack5. As well as being an excellent skin moisturizer, the skin antiseptic properties of coconut oil which have been found effective in alleviating the symptoms of xerosis and dermatitis6. Coconut oil demonstrated a better ability to improve skin hydration and increase surface oil levels compared to mineral oil6. Wound healing Coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) has been found to be an effective burn wound healing agent7. It was noted that there was a significant improvement in burn wound contraction in the group treated with the combination of Cocos nucifera and silver sulphadiazine7.
How Coconut Oil is classified
Plant Extracts, Emollients
Recommendations for using Coconut Oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Coconut Oil During Pregnancy
What we know about using Coconut Oil while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractThe potential reproductive toxicity of an alcoholic extract ofCocos nuciferafruit was tested in two groups of male albino mice (8/group).34 A negative control group was administered saline; and test groups 1 and 2 were given 125 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of the alcoholic extract, respectively, of coconut fruit for 15 days. There was a significant (p < 0.01) increase in relative testicular weight/ body weight in test group 1 compared to the control group. However, test group 2 showed a significant decrease in testis weight/body weight compared to the control group and test group 1. Also, an increase in sperm concentration was noted in male mice administered 125 mg/kg of coconut fruitextract. No other effects regarding treated were observed. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Liquid Endosperm The reproductive effects of coconut water were studied in male Wistar rats (5/group).35 The first group was given 20 ml/kg of distilled water and served as the control. Group 2 was orally administered 20 ml/kg of corn oil, group 3 was given 20 ml/kg of coconut water, group 4 was administered 200 mg/kg of danazol (a synthetic androgen), and group 5 was given 200 mg/kg of danazol and 20 ml/kg coconut water. The rats received the test materials daily for 6 weeks. The rats showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm viability in groups 3 and 5 while a significant reduction in these variables was observed in group 4. A significant increase in luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were observed in groups 3 and 5 when compared with group 4. All test groups showed a significant increase in reduced glutathione, total protein, and a significant reduction in malondialdehyde in testicular homogenates, when compared with the control and corn oil groups. In another study, groups of 5 gravid female albino rats were used to investigate the reproductive effects of coconut water.36 Starting the day after the rats were mated, the animals were dosed for 21 days (entire gestation period) as follows: group 1 (the control group) was given 1.0 ml/100 g of distilled water; group 2 was given 0.5 ml/100 g of coconut water; group 3 received 1.0 ml/100 g coconut water; and group 4 was administered 2.0 ml/100 g coconut water. The rats were weighed on days 1, 7, 14, and 21. Rats underwent laparotomy on day 10 of pregnancy, and upon delivery, the fetuses were evaluated. An increase in body weight was noted in pregnant female rat of all dose groups compared to the control. No other effects regarding treated female rats and offspring were observed
General safety info about Coconut Oil from CIR
No report found.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Coconut Oil
RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream; Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Ultra Hydration Body Oil; Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Coconut Oil Body Polish; Kopari Coconut Melt; Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Heat & UV Protective Primer; Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Lin T, Zhong L, Santiago J. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1). [PubMed] 2. Sahle F, Gebre-Mariam T, Dobner B, Wohlrab J, Neubert R. Skin diseases associated with the depletion of stratum corneum lipids and stratum corneum lipid substitution therapy. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2015;28(1):42-55. [PubMed] 3. Evangelista M, Abad-Casintahan F, Lopez-Villafuerte L. The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(1):100-108. [PubMed] 4. Korać R, Khambholja K. Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation. Pharmacogn Rev. 2011;5(10):164-173. [PubMed] 5. Esquenazi D, Wigg M, Miranda M, et al. Antimicrobial and antiviral activities of polyphenolics from Cocos nucifera Linn. (Palmae) husk fiber extract. Res Microbiol. 2002;153(10):647-652. [PubMed] 6. Agero A, Verallo-Rowell V. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis. 2004;15(3):109-116. [PubMed] 7. Srivastava P, Durgaprasad S. Burn wound healing property of Cocos nucifera: An appraisal. Indian J Pharmacol. 2008;40(4):144-146. [PubMed] 8. DebMandal M, Mandal S. Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): in health promotion and disease prevention. Asian Pac J Trop Med. 2011;4(3):241-247. [PubMed]
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
