Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil for Cooking & Homemade Cosmetics

Coconut oil is produced by mechanically processing the flesh of coconuts. Depending on the production method, we distinguish between refined coconut oil (often marked with the abbreviation RBD – refined, bleached, and deodorised oil), which has been purified of impurities and other substances, and cold‑pressed coconut oil, also known as virgin coconut oil.

Coconut oil serves as an alternative in the kitchen, but it has also found its place in homemade cosmetics. It has a melting point of around 25°C, so at lower temperatures, it becomes a solid, white substance.

Using Coconut Oil in the Kitchen

Coconut oil can be used for frying, baking, cooking, and even in cold dishes. For easier and more precise application, you can also find coconut oil sprays. When using coconut oil in the kitchen, keep in mind:

• Refined coconut oil, due to prior heat treatment, is ideal for baking and frying, with a smoke point of around 230°C.
• Virgin coconut oil is better suited for cold dishes or slow sautéing, with a smoke point of about 170–200°C.

Cold‑pressed coconut oil has a delicate coconut aroma and flavour, while refined oil loses both during production.

Coconut Oil in Homemade Cosmetics

Coconut oil has earned its place in cosmetics as well, where it can support full‑body care (for these purposes, use unrefined virgin oil). It can be used:

• On the skin – it helps with hydration and skin barrier repair.
• On hair – it enhances elasticity and reduces breakage (similarly, it can strengthen lashes and brows).
• On teeth – it can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.

There is ongoing debate about coconut oil's effects on scars and stretch marks; despite several studies, these benefits have not been confirmed. Using coconut oil for tanning is not recommended, as it does not provide adequate UV protection.