Coconut oil is the star player in many of our PU products. This versatile ingredient can be found in many places in our store - from bar soap to hand balm. Have you heard of coconut oil? Do you picture a pina colada or a shampoo bar? Or maybe you’ve seen coconut oil on the shelf at the grocery store. The health and beauty benefits of coconut oil are endless, keep reading to see just what’s so special about this humble, plant based ingredient and what purple urchin products you can pick up and embrace coconut oil in your life!

Coconut oil is extracted from, you guessed it, coconuts! It comes from either raw coconuts or dried coconut kernels, and is very rich in medium chain fatty acids. These fatty acids vary in size and saturation, but some notable fatty acids present in high in composition are lauric acid and capric acid. The significance of these fatty acids are their special antimicrobial properties. Studies suggest that these fatty acids can slow and stop the growth of some strains of bacteria and fungi, which is great for protecting your skin’s natural microbiome and keeping bad bacteria away. 

The fatty nature of coconut oil makes it an excellent moisturizer. Coconut oil is so effective at moisturizing it is even used to help in the treatment of eczema. Coconut oil based products are a great choice if you have dry skin - whether it is the depth of winter and your skin needs some love or it's the heat of July and you’ve been out in the sun all day. Keeping your skin hydrated and moisturized is important to maintain skin integrity, promotes scar healing, and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier. Aside from health benefits, it just feels soft, warming, and luxurious, who doesn't want that!? 

Coconut oil also helps to boost the level of antioxidants and collagen in your skin. Antioxidants are compounds that keep those nasty little free radicals in line, and prevent damage to your body. Free radicals are always present in your body, but if there are too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants, your body enters a state of oxidative stress leading to cell damage. Incorporating foods and products that contain antioxidants are a great way to keep the balance right. Collagen is also an important player in preventing cell damage, and the aesthetic benefits of firmer skin with less fine lines and wrinkles… it's a win win! 

Coconut oil is the base of all our liquid and bar soaps, so no matter what scent you love, you’ll get these fantastic health benefits using our Purple Urchin soap - your skin will thank you! Here are a few other products that contain coconut oil:

Lemon Meringue Hand Balm: This balm is a step above our botanical lotions, providing an ultra-moisturizing experience for your hands or any other extra dry areas on your body.

Cocoa Butter Coffee Scrub: A staff favorite, this scrub smells amazing and contains coffee grounds to exfoliate, and coconut oil to hydrate, leaving your body feeling soft and warm! 

Grime Fighter: Our gentle exfoliating cleanser will help you wash the day away and cleanse your face, while still hydrating with coconut oil as an ingredient.

Lumberjack Shave Bar: This bar lathers very nicely, and coconut oil moisturizes your face and neck. For a clean shave with a warm woodsy scent, try our shave bar!

Coconut oil is great for your hair and scalp too! Especially if you have dry or damaged hair, opting for a natural shampoo with coconut oil can help tremendously. All the benefits to your skin translate to your hair, nourishing your hair and scalp is good for hair growth as well. The moisturizing effect of coconut oil also gives your hair a beautiful shine. Try our Hemp Head or Lavender Tea Tree Shampoo Bars to introduce coconut oil into your hair care routine. 

Are you convinced yet to bring coconut oil into your hair or body care routine? Purple Urchin products smell amazing, are locally made, eco friendly, natural, AND contain coconut oil and all it’s benefits, why not give it a try!