Olej kokosowy – możliwości zastosowań kosmetycznych

Abstract

Coconut oil is a substance obtained form coconut palm fruit grown mainly in Africa. It is a material with many application. It is valued by the cosmetic industry and enjoys an increasing interest of individual clients. To learn its properties and possibilities of use in the cosmetic industry, the literature from 2004-2018 was reviewed. Copra is the part of the fruit that is rich of fatty compounds, carbohydrates and proteins. Depending on the methods of obtaining several types of coconut oil are distinguished: coconut butter, coconut oil extracted from copra, fractionated coconut oil and coconut oil from fresh flesh. Each one of these materials due to differences in composition may have other cosmetic properties. Coconut oil is a product rich in medium chain fatty acids, contains vitamin E and K, iron and phenolic compounds. Because of that it has some antioxidant effect, enhancing cellular and anti-aging immunity. In traditional and modern cosmetology it is valued for its ability to bind water, retain it in deeper skin layers and to create a protective antimicrobial barrier. It has been shown that coconut oil reduces the colonization of Candida fungi and also has relativity high SPF index in comparison with other vegetables oils. All these properties also make it extremely useful in haircare. Many studies confirm positive effect of using coconut oil in case of atopic dermatitis, hyperkeratosis and dryness. It is use in massage salons as an excellent lubricant. His role in skin care of newborns was also indicated. Coconut oil is safe and relatively cheap compound but it is use in many aspects is conditioned only by traditional knowledge not supported by many research. Returning to natural sources of cosmetics raw materials requires increasing efforts towards scientific confirmation of their operation.