Ingredient guide ›

Cocos Nucifera Oil

The coconut softener.

What it does

Oil pressed from coconut kernels. It softens skin and conditions hair.

Good to know

In a 2014 trial in children with mild to moderate eczema, virgin coconut oil improved eczema scores and skin dryness more than mineral oil.

Often found in: Soaps, Shampoos, Hair conditioners, Deodorants

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: No limit in Australia's Poisons Standard. Source

Sources

• Topical virgin coconut oil in pediatric atopic dermatitis, randomized trial (Int J Dermatol, 2014) (Medical)
• CIR: Safety Assessment of Plant-Derived Fatty Acid Oils (2017) (Industry-funded)