How Coconut Boosts Your Skincare Routine

When it comes to coconut, we don’t need much convincing. Tasty, tropical and that indulgent scent? Say less. But what if we also told you that coconut is a skincare-lover’s dream? (Talk about a win-win!) Odds are, you’ve probs heard of skincare with coconut oil. But that’s only the beginning. Made up of a whole lot of natural, skin-loving ingredients, coconuts are one seriously versatile fruit. As for the benefits, well, strap in. There’s nothing this tropical treat can’t do. 🥥

So, where are the ingredients coming from? 

Oils
Coconut oil is derived from coconut kernels – aka the ‘meat’. You know, the delicious white stuff inside the shell? Mmm. Well, the oil can be extracted from either fresh coconut meat or dried meat, known as ‘copra’. When the kernels are pressed, they produce a mix of coconut milk and oil, which is then separated, leaving the multi-use powerhouse that is coconut oil. Not only can coconut oil be used as a nourishing moisturizer, but it’s also a great natural cleansing oil. 

Water
Coconut water is the clear fluid found inside coconuts. You’ve probably seen it on the shelves at your local supermarket, as a tasty pick-me-up containing naturally occurring electrolytes. The good news is, those electrolytes work just as hard hydrating your skin as they do your body. Toners, cleansers and skin-soothing formulations love this natural ingredient for its gentle, cleansing properties and all-over hydrating benefits. 

Milk
Coconut milk is created after blending grated mature coconut meat and water. Other than being a pantry staple, you’ll find coconut milk in skincare in hydrating body lotions, or included in soothing formulas for post-sunburn relief (ouch).

Extract
The lesser-known (but no less effective) skincare ingredient sourced from coconut is coconut extract. Also derived from coconut meat, it’s typically a concentrated liquid created through processes of extraction and purification. You probably know it as the source of that delicious coconut-ty smell you can’t get enough of, but it’s also much-loved for its magical hydrating and moisturizing properties.   

What are the benefits of coconut skincare? 

There’s a reason you see coconut all over your bathroom shelf! Top of the list is hydration, of course. All coconut ingredients are highly moisturizing, for different reasons. Whether it’s the presence of fatty acids in coconut oil, which helps penetrate the skin easily and provides deep hydration, or the way coconut extract improves the skin barrier over time, making it more effective at retaining moisture. Either way, if plump, juicy skin is the goal, skincare with coconut will make it happen.

But it doesn’t stop there. Thanks to being super rich in antioxidants, coconut also helps combat free radicals – the unstable molecules that affect your skin cells like pollution and UV rays. By protecting your skin from free radicals, you’re working against signs of ageing, like wrinkles and dark spots. It’s no coincidence that some of our most-loved sunscreens go hand-in-hand with that delicious coconut smell (and those powerhouse ingredients).

Coconut has also been shown to be super beneficial against skin irritations and mild acne, thanks to its natural anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. If you’re a sensitive skin baddie, we’ve found your match. Keep in mind, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to coconut, so we always recommend a small patch test before lathering up, just to be on the safe side.

Want more coconut-ty goodness? Try our Coconut Cream Foaming Body Wash

Happy Sundae x

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Re-apply frequently.

Written By: Lizzie Waley (Sundae Co-Founder & Body Care Enthusiast) | LinkedIn

Fact Checked: Charnnie Frimpong (Sundae Content Marketing Manager) | Linkedin