Extra Virgin Coconut Oil (Organic)

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a plant-derived oil obtained from the fresh meat of mature coconuts, Cocos nucifera. Cosmetic-grade Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is produced through mechanical pressing of fresh coconut flesh, typically without chemical refining, bleaching, or deodorization. This minimal processing preserves the oil’s natural fatty acid profile, aroma, and functional characteristics while avoiding ethoxylation, sulfation, or petrochemical modification, supporting its use in clean and traditionally derived cosmetic formulations.

From a formulation standpoint, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil functions as an emollient, structuring lipid, and conditioning oil. It is naturally high in saturated fatty acids, particularly lauric acid, which gives it a semi-solid consistency at cooler temperatures and contributes to product body and firmness. Extra Virgin Coconut Oil integrates well into anhydrous systems and emulsions, enhancing texture, spreadability, and barrier support. Its performance is influenced by temperature, usage level, and the balance of other oils and waxes in the formulation.

In finished products, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil delivers a rich, nourishing skin feel with moderate occlusivity. At lower usage levels, it improves softness and slip, while higher levels contribute to firmer textures and enhanced moisture retention. It is commonly used in body butters, balms, creams, lotions, soaps, cleansing bars, hair masks, conditioners, and scalp treatments where richness and structure are desired. Its natural coconut aroma may be retained, depending on formulation goals.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has a long history of cosmetic and topical use and broad global regulatory acceptance. It is biodegradable and generally well tolerated for topical applications. Clean positioning is supported by its plant-derived origin and minimal processing, though formulation considerations may vary for individuals with coconut sensitivities. Its functional reliability supports inclusion in ingredient offerings carefully selected by Suncoast PCP for dependable cosmetic formulation performance.

Suncoast PCP carefully selects Extra Virgin Coconut Oil based on purity, consistency, and formulation versatility, ensuring reliable performance across a wide range of skincare and haircare applications while aligning with clean and modern formulation standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
CAS Number: 8001-31-8

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: White to off-white solid below ~24 °C; clear liquid above melting point
Odor: Mild to characteristic coconut aroma
Melting Point: Approximately 23–26 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and oil phases
Texture: Solid to semi-solid with smooth melt
Functional Role: Emollient, structuring lipid, conditioning oil

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Haircare)

Body Butters and Balms: 5–30%
Creams and Lotions: 2–15%
Soaps and Cleansing Bars: 10–40%
Hair Masks and Conditioners: 2–15%
Anhydrous Skincare Products: 5–25%

Actual usage levels vary depending on desired firmness, sensory profile, and overall formulation design.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is easy to work with and melts readily into the oil phase. It should be fully melted and mixed thoroughly to ensure uniform texture. Because it solidifies near room temperature, temperature control is important during formulation and filling to avoid graininess or uneven texture.

In emulsions, Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is typically paired with appropriate emulsifiers and often blended with liquid oils to balance firmness and spreadability. Antioxidants such as tocopherols may be added to support oxidative stability, especially in products with extended shelf life.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is compatible with a wide range of vegetable oils, butters, waxes, emulsifiers, and surfactant systems. It is frequently combined with softer oils such as sunflower or jojoba oil to reduce heaviness, or paired with waxes and butters to enhance structure. In haircare formulations, it works well alongside conditioning agents and silicone alternatives.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 18–24 months depending on storage conditions
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat and light
Packaging Recommendations: HDPE containers, lined jars, or sealed pails
Handling Notes: Avoid repeated heating and cooling cycles to maintain texture consistency

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available data
Irritation and Sensitization: Generally well tolerated for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Plant-derived, biodegradable, and compatible with clean, natural-leaning, and transparency-focused formulation standards