I know that a lot of readers aren't on Instagram/twitter so won't have seen me talking about the Neal's Yard Coconut Oil and using it for cleansing so thought I'd quickly mention it here.
Back in January I posted about the RMS Coconut Cream Cleanser and received a lot of questions about appropriate skin types/what makes it so different from other coconut oils etc.
Last week I came across the Neal's Yard Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and tried cleansing with it for a few days. Suffice to say I've added it to my usual arsenal of cleansers - there are some differences though so I thought a few quick tips may help.
- A lot of the original commentors were of the opinion that there was no difference between the RMS and 'any coconut oil you can buy from Lidl'. That's not the case - in my opinion. It's a bit like balsamic vinegar. Some are soft and delicious and some taste like sour rancid vinegar.
- The RMS version is more expensive and is obviously sold as a beauty product - as opposed to something you would cook with. I find the formula to be much more like a beauty product and thus more pleasant to use. It's very refined, not gritty and doesn't separate.
- The Neal's Yard coconut oil is designed for cooking and it shows. It's very 'raw' and while it isn't as nice to use as the RMS - it still does the job perfectly well for a fraction of the price (although neither is £££)
- Apply a small amount to your fingertips and get it on to the face quickly - it starts to melt as soon as you touch it.
- Apply to dry skin.
- You have to remove this with a flannel/washcloth. A muslin is no match for these oils. They are hardcore grease - albeit natural.
- Give at least two rinses/four swipes with the flannel (rinse the cloth, swipe, turn over, swipe, rinse, swipe, turn over, swipe again).
- They are suitable for all skin types - I did have some comments from people saying that the RMS had broken them out - but that wasn't my experience - good to know/be aware and know to wash it off correctly though.
- If you do decide to give these a go I doubt you'll be disappointed. They leave the skin incredibly soft and smooth.
- Pure coconut oil is around 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial - so a good option if you have skin problems including random breakouts/dry skin/eczema/cold sores. The only other substance that high in lauric acid is breast milk.
- And obviously...coconut is budget friendly. The RMS cleanser is £12.50 for 70ml and the Neal's Yard coconut oil is £9.00 for 300ml (comparatively - Eve Lom is £84.00 for 200ml and is mineral oil based - just a reminder)
If you do try the Neal's Yard version and don't like it - it's not a very expensive mistake to make - and you can always make some cracking roast potatoes with it instead.
