Benefits
Deeply nourishes and softens dry, rough skin and hair
Helps support the skin's moisture barrier
Reduces the visible appearance of dryness
Leaves a rich, comforting after-feel on very dry areas
Best For
Very dry skin
Dry hair and cuticles
Rough or flaky areas (elbows, heels, hands)
Body care rather than oil-prone facial skin
What Is Coconut Oil?
Extracted from the meat of the coconut, Cocos nucifera oil has been used for centuries across tropical cultures for skin and hair care. It has since become a staple of modern cosmetic formulation, valued for its rich texture, pleasant sensory profile, and long tradition of topical use.
Coconut oil is defined by its exceptionally high concentration of lauric acid (a medium-chain saturated fatty acid, typically 45–53%), alongside capric and caprylic acids, and smaller amounts of oleic and linoleic acid. This unique fatty acid profile gives it a semi-solid texture at room temperature and a rich, occlusive feel on skin.
How It Works
Coconut oil's high saturated fatty acid content allows it to form a comfortable, occlusive film on the skin's surface, helping to reduce water loss and support a soft, supple feel.
Its small, medium-chain fatty acid molecules allow good spreadability and a degree of penetration into the upper skin layers, helping to replenish lipids in very dry or rough areas. Traditionally, lauric acid has also been studied for its role in supporting the skin's natural surface balance.
Why Formulation Matters
Coconut oil's saturated fatty acid profile makes it naturally stable and resistant to oxidation, giving it a long shelf life in cosmetic formulas.
Because of its richness and occlusive nature, it is generally best suited to body, hair, and targeted dry-area formulas rather than facial products for oil-prone or acne-prone skin, where its comedogenic potential should be considered.
Scientific Notes
Published research on virgin coconut oil highlights its moisturising and barrier-supporting properties. A randomised controlled trial by Agero and Verallo-Rowell (2004) compared virgin coconut oil to mineral oil as a moisturiser for mild to moderate xerosis and found coconut oil to be similarly effective, with both oils improving skin hydration and surface lipid levels.
Its lauric acid content has also been studied for its role in supporting the skin's surface microbial balance, alongside broader research into coconut's traditional use in health and skin promotion.
These studies were conducted on virgin or extra-virgin coconut oil under laboratory or clinical conditions and are cited here for scientific context. They are not trials of Nourish London's finished formulations, and Nourish London products are cosmetics rather than medicines, not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any skin condition.
Products With Coconut Oil
