One of the best natural skin care products of all time is coconut oil soap. Although coconut oil is primarily used in soap for structural purposes, its additional skin care benefits make it an item not to be overlooked in the cosmetic world.

Coconut oil is best known in the soap making industry for adding luxurious lather and firmness to a finished product, but what are these hidden skin benefits that make it stand out to the consumer?

First of all, coconut oil soap contains important antioxidants that protect the skin from harmful rays like ultraviolet light and various forms of air pollution. It also helps prevent and cure many types of skin infections. Also, coconut oil soap is extremely moisturizing as it literally draws water out of the air and draws it into the skin. Oils with this particular attribute are called emollients.

There are countless stores these days that sell coconut oil soap as it is gaining popularity. However, you should be careful, because almost all skin care products, including low-end commercial soaps, have some percentage of coconut oil incorporated.

One ingredient that you really should keep away from your skin is fat and lard. Both are animal fats that are used prominently in the soap making industry. Almost every company, along with these harmful fats, will add a small percentage of coconut oil to their product to increase lather. Some even advertise their soap as “coconut oil soap” even though it doesn’t offer the same benefits as the “real deal.”

If you are looking for a true coconut oil soap that has the potential to transform your skin, I highly recommend creating your own or purchasing it from a reputable homemade soap company.

If you decide to give it a try, which I highly recommend, I can assure you it will be fun and easy. To make coconut oil soap, allow the ingredient to absorb only 20% of the total oils used. Add other natural skin care oils like sweet almond oil, jojoba oil, and olive oil to complete the recipe.

One interesting aspect of coconut oil is that when used too much it can have a drying effect, while the right amount makes a great moisturizing product. Be sure not to let the coconut oil absorb more than 25% of the oils used under any circumstances.