Yes, extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) is an excellent carrier oil for diluting essential oils because it's readily available, moisturizing, and helps deliver essential oil benefits to the skin, though its strong scent might interfere with some essential oils and it's solid at room temperature (fractionated coconut oil stays liquid). It's great for hair masks, massage oils, and general skin moisturization, but individuals with oily or acne-prone skin should be cautious as it can be comedogenic (pore-clogging).
Virgin Coconut Oil is cold pressed from Thai Coconuts. A Carrier oil with a natural coconut odour. Use for massage oil bases.
#Coconutoil is a gentle and natural way to keep your little one's skin soft, smooth, and hydrated. Its moisturizing properties help prevent dryness and irritation, while its soothing effects can calm sensitive skin. Plus, it's free from harsh chemicals, making it a safe choice for your baby's delicate skin.
Mixing the coconut oil with oils that are liquid at room temp will help keep the coconut oil liquid as well. At least a 1:1 ratio and mix them together while both are liquid. A really cold environment may still solidify the mixture if it has ``too much'' coconut oil to other oils. It'll likely be cloudy regardless.
Lamara extra virgin olive oil is the perfect carrier oil for essential oils. The most popular oils used as carrier oils are the “lighter and neutral” oils like jojoba, argan, sweet almond or coconut oil. But olive oil is a fantastic way to dilute essential oils and it has many benefits.
6 Best Carrier Oils for Safe, Non-Toxic, Homemade Cleaning Products
Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Coconut oil may not be the best choice for oily or acne-prone skin, as it has a higher likelihood of clogging pores. On the other hand, olive oil is less comedogenic and may be a suitable option for moisturizing without causing breakouts.
Cardiologists advise avoiding coconut oil because it's extremely high in saturated fat (around 90%), which significantly raises LDL ("bad") cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease, despite claims of potential HDL ("good") cholesterol benefits. While some fats in coconut oil might act differently, the overall effect is negative for heart health, making healthier unsaturated fats from oils like olive, canola, or avocado much better choices for cholesterol and cardiovascular health, say experts from institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Health, and the Australian Heart Foundation.
In the refrigerator: It isn't necessary to keep coconut oil in the fridge, but refrigeration can slow down the processes that encourage spoilage, meaning it will keep for longer. Refrigerated coconut oil will turn hard, making it difficult to use for skincare or salad dressings.
Benefits of Coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant
According to a 2014 study, coconut oil has been clinically proven to be safe and effective as a moisturizer. The moisturizing properties of coconut oil may make it an effective vaginal lubricant and allow for longer intercourse.
We do not know if there are any risks. No studies have been published that show any side effects from coconut oil. There is a small risk that your baby can develop a coconut allergy; however, this is unlikely since there are no proteins in the oil.
High cholesterol: Coconut oil contains a type of fat that can increase cholesterol levels. Regularly eating meals containing coconut oil can increase levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad") cholesterol. This might be a problem for people who already have high cholesterol.
Coconut oil is rich in a range of fatty acids, including lauric acid . Research included in a 2022 review suggests that these fatty acids in virgin coconut oil may help restore the skin barrier and decrease inflammation and infection rates in people with eczema. However, coconut oil cannot cure eczema.
Cold pressed coconut oil is extracted from copra or dried coconut kernel, usually after drying coconuts in the sun. Like the name suggests, the coconuts are pressed to extract the oil and is ready for use and consumption. However virgin coconut oil is extracted from the fresh coconut milk and left to settle down.
The 30/50/20 rule for essential oils is a blending guideline for creating balanced, harmonious scents, suggesting you use 30% top notes, 50% middle notes, and 20% base notes for longevity and depth. Top notes are light and fast-evaporating (like citrus), middle notes are the heart of the blend (like florals/herbs), and base notes are grounding and long-lasting (like woods/resins). For a 10-drop blend, this means 3 drops top, 5 drops middle, and 2 drops base.
The main side effects of coconut oil on skin are clogged pores, acne breakouts, and folliculitis, especially for oily or acne-prone skin, as it's highly comedogenic. It can also cause allergic reactions (redness, itching, hives) or worsen certain skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, and offers minimal sun protection, making it unsuitable as a sunscreen. Always patch test first, and consider it best for very dry skin on the body, not the face or areas prone to breakouts, say Healthline and Curology.
Coconut oil can last up to two or even three years after opening as long as you keep the lid sealed and follow other storage practices such as keeping it in a dry, dark place away from sunlight.
Check for the following signs:
The big debate on whether or not coconut oil is beneficial to our health arises from the ratio of medium-chain fatty acids to long-chain fatty acids. This is because MCFAs raise both HDL (“good”) and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol.
Among foods that contribute to clogged arteries are:
In coconut oil, saturated fat is more easily broken down, directly absorbed into the bloodstream, and transported quickly to the liver where it becomes readily available for energy production. As a dietitian, I find the unique properties of coconut oil's saturated fat interesting.
Ingredients such as retinol or bakuchiol can also help target signs of aging. Select a face oil formulated for your skin type—lighter oils like squalane or rosehip are ideal for oily or combination skin, while richer options like argan or marula oil suit dry or mature skin.
Coconut oil falls in the latter category. “It can temporarily improve skin hydration and give the appearance of smoother skin, but it does not target the deeper causes of wrinkles such as collagen loss or sun damage,” says Dr.
Side effects of using coconut oil on your skin
It's hydrating, yes. But that means it can do its job a little too well and clog pores and cause acne breakouts — especially if your skin is more on the oily side. “If you are prone to acne, you should also avoid putting it on your shoulders, chest or back,” Dr. Wu adds.