Coconut Oil
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code: 61024

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Latin Binomial: Cocos nucifera
Plant Part: Kernel
Extraction: Cold Pressed
Growing Practice: Ethical

Unrefined, extracted from coconuts which grow on Palm trees. Solid at room temperature. Excellent in soaps or as a massage or body oil, with a characteristically sweet taste and smell.

We also sell fractionated coconut oil.

Refractive Index: 1.448  1.450 at 40°C
Specific Gravity: 0.908  0.921at 20°C
Appearance: white opaque solid below mp, fully transparent above 30°c
BioChemicals: (unrefined) semi-solid 50% lauric acid

Fatty Acid Content:

Saturated Fatty Acids (Typically 92.1%): Lauric (47.5%), Myristic (18.1%), Palmitic (8.8%), Caprylic (7.8%), Capric (6.7%), Stearic (2.6%), Caproic (0.5%), Arachidic (0.1%)

Monounsaturated (typically 6.2%): Oleic (6.2%)

Polyunsaturated (typically 1.6%): Linoleic (1.6%)
Melting Point °C: 24°C/76°F
Saponification Value: (mg KOH/g oil) 248  265
CAS No: 8001-31-8

The Coconut Palm (Cocos nucifera) of the Family Arecaceae is the only species in the genus Cocos, a large palm growing to 100 ft. tall, with pinnate leaves 12-20 ft long. The term coconut previously spelled cocoanut refers to the seed of the coconut palm. The coconut grows throughout the tropics, having spread from its unknown origin because the fruit is light and bouyant and water resistant and evolved to disperse via marine currents. It may have also been transmitted by ancient mariners such as the Polynesians.

Coconut palms need abundant sunlight, regular rainfall, and high humidity for optimum growth, which is why they aren't often seen in the Mediterranean.

The Phillipines is the largest producer of coconuts with 17 million tonnes, followed by Indonesia and India in distant third. Each palm can produce at least 75 fruits per year when fully grown (30 years).

Coconut oil can be produced by cold pressing of the flesh found inside the coconut shell, but is often solvent extracted.

Cosmetics and Skin Treatments

  • as a massage oil or cream
  • skin moisturizer
  • lip balms and glosses
  • hand creams
  • conditioners
  • Considered to have antimicrobial properties.

Soaps and Detergents

  • Considered one of the best bases for soap, shampoo and detergent manufacture.
  • It can produce a foamy lather in any type of water.
  • Produces a pure white soap
The origin of the plant are controversial, variously believed to be South Asia, or northwestern South America. Fossil records show that small coconut-like plants were present 15 million years ago. Older fossils have been found in India. Written mention of coconuts goes back to the second and first centuries BC in Sri Lanka.
Coconut Oil is generally considered to be of low hazard when used externally. It may cause an allergic reaction in some. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.

The information provided on these pages is not a substitute for necessary medical care, nor intended as medical advice. Always keep carriers and bases tightly closed and in a cool, dark place, out of reach of children. If redness or irritation occurs when applied to the skin, stop using immediately and contact your health provider if necessary.