Coconut oil has long been used in the kitchen, and you probably have a jar of it in your cupboard. But recently, this fruit has also been gaining popularity in skincare. Coconut offers numerous benefits for the skin due to its healthy ingredients.
The power of coconut oil
An ingredient with a long history
Coconut oil has been used for generations in tropical regions, from the Philippines to Samoa. Not as a trend, but as a daily habit — passed down from mother to daughter, from grandmother to grandchild. For the skin, for the hair, as protection against the sun and the elements.
That generational trust in an ingredient says something. And it perfectly aligns with what SELF stands for: care that you can safely share with the people you love.
What makes coconut oil so valuable for the skin?
The power of coconut oil lies in its composition. It is rich in lauric acid, capric acid, and antioxidants – each with its own role in caring for your skin.
Lauric acid has antibacterial and antifungal properties, supporting the skin's natural protective function. Capric acid has a calming effect and helps with irritated or sensitive skin. The antioxidants in coconut oil protect the skin from free radicals and contribute to healthy, resilient skin.
Coconut oil also has a light texture that is well absorbed by the skin, providing nourishment and hydration without leaving a heavy feeling.
Coconut oil for sensitive or problematic skin
Coconut oil is particularly suitable for people with sensitive or dry skin. Its fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect, which helps with red, irritated, or itchy skin. Coconut oil can also offer support for eczema by strengthening the skin barrier and retaining moisture.
Important to know: coconut oil works best as part of a carefully formulated product—not as a standalone product on irritated skin. This is exactly how we use it at SELF: in combination with other natural ingredients that enhance each other.
Why Coconut Oil Is In SELF Products
SELF was born from a personal story. While searching for safe skincare for young, eczema-prone skin, it became clear that most products on the market were full of synthetic substances and irritating ingredients. Coconut oil was one of the first ingredients that actually made a difference.
Today, coconut oil is in almost all SELF products — along with macadamia oil, shea butter, argan oil, and aloe vera. Together, they form a powerful, natural base that nourishes, protects, and restores. For all skin types, from young to old.
