Where does coconut oil come from?
The coconut tree, known for its versatile use, is an integral part of many tropical economies. They grow in more than 90 countries across the world, mostly in the Asia and Pacific. Thailand, India, Indonesia, The Philippes, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Papaua New Guinea grow around 80% of the coconut trees worldwide. A good harvest can yield thousands of coconuts, each of which can be used for various purposes such as producing oil, milk, water, and even animal feed.
We take a dive into the journey of coconuts from tree to cosmetics and highlight the importance of sustainability. It's more sustainable than palm oil, which is linked to deforestation and destroying habitats. Our handmade vegan soap bars use coconut and rapeseed oil over palm oil.
How do you collect coconut oil?
Coconut harvesting is a skilful task that requires collectors to climb tall trees and cut down the fruits with machetes. The hardy nuts are protected by their durable outer shells, which prevent them from getting damaged even when falling from heights of up to 20 meters.
Once harvested, coconuts need to be transported to the processing facility as quickly as possible since their oil is at its prime at this time. A single harvest from one of the largest coconut farms can yield up to 15,000 coconuts, each priced according to size and quality.
How do you extract coconut oil from coconuts?
At the processing facility, each coconut undergoes several steps before its oil can be extracted. First, the coconut is de-husked manually, then split and washed. The coconut is removed from the shell. Then the shredded coconut is combined with water. The mixture is put through a machine to separate the coconut shreds from the coconut liquid.
The mixture is then left in a warm room overnight, which encourages the water and oil to separate.
Following this, the nutrient-rich water is separated from the coconut oil. The oil is then filtered - this can usually be through a paper/bucket system. It can be filtered up to 3 times before being sent to global manufacturers and suppliers.
All of our vegan soap bars are derived from coconut and rapeseed oil - kind to you and the planet. Our lemongrass and persian lime soap bar is infused with apricot powder to buff away dry skin.
What is coconut oil good for?
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in many personal care products, especially those designed for hair and skin care. It is widely known for its moisturising, protective, and nutritional properties that make it an excellent skin moisturiser and a hair care ingredient.
The benefits of coconut oil are numerous, and scientific studies have backed up many of these claims. One study showed that coconut oil improves skin hydration as well as increases the number of lipids on the skin while reducing water loss. This makes coconut oil an excellent moisturising ingredient in skin care products.
In hair care products, coconut oil is known to protect the hair and prevent damage. Studies have shown that coconut oil can penetrate the hair fibre and bind with hair proteins, making the hair stronger and more resistant to breaking. Additionally, coconut oil smoothes the hair surface and makes it easier to brush or comb, making it an excellent detangling ingredient.
In hair products, coconut oil is used for its properties of protection, nutrition, suppleness, shine, resistance, and strength.
In personal care products, coconut oil is used in various forms, including as an oil, butter, or extract. It is a popular ingredient in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in products, and vegetable dyes.
Is coconut oil good for the environment?
Coconut oil is also a natural and sustainable ingredient that is gentle on both the skin and the environment. It is suitable for all skin and hair types, making it a versatile ingredient that can be used in various personal care products.
In conclusion, coconut oil is a valuable ingredient in personal care products. It offers numerous benefits, including moisturisation, protection, nutrition, strength, and shine for the skin and hair. Its properties make it an ideal ingredient for hair care products, where it protects and strengthens the hair while improving its overall appearance.
Additionally, its natural and sustainable nature makes it an attractive ingredient for conscious consumers looking for products that are both effective and environmentally friendly.
Shop our range of vegan soap bars and skincare infused with coconut oil.
