Cocos nucifera (Arecaceae)

Commonly called the coconut palm it is the only accepted species in the genus Cocos. Widely grown throughout the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, its fresh kernel and kernel oil are an essential part of the diet of the people in the regions in which it is grown. The edible, tasty and mineral-rich endospermous fluid of tender coconuts is considered an invigorating drink and is used as a vehicle in some extemporaneous herbal preparations of indigenous medicine.

Different parts of the coconut palm find multiple domestic, commercial and industrial uses in the form of various products made from them.

Cosmetic use

Coconut oil is considered an ideal hair nourisher in India since ages and it is an essential base or carrier oil in several hair oils and preparations meant for application on the hair. An excellent emollient, lubricant and skin moisturizer, coconut oil is an important base ingredient for the manufacture of soap. Coconut oil-based soaps, being harder despite retaining more water (compared to other oils), are preferred sometimes as they enhance the overall soap yield. These soaps are also more soluble in hard water and salt water and lather better. A basic coconut oil soap is clear when melted and a bright white when hardened.

Categorized as a hair and skin conditioning agent, emollient and fragrance ingredient, coconut oil is used in several hair and skin care cosmetics. Coconut oil makes a good massage oil as it is readily absorbed by the skin. Finely powdered coconut shell could be added to skin scrubs as it effectively exfoliates dead skin. Lauric acid from coconut oil could be converted to sodium lauryl sulphate, a shampoo and shower gel detergent.