Coconut oil is a beauty panacea of sorts, but it’s not everyone’s favorite scent or texture. Luckily, Mother Nature has gifted us plenty of alternative beauty oils.
These five beauty oils are excellent replacements for coconut oil in your daily beauty routine.
1. Sea Buckthorn
Sea buckthorn derives from the mountainous regions of China and Russia. It grows in sandy soil at high altitudes and colder climates. It is packed with vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, carotenoids, fatty acids (omega-9, 6 and 3), organic acids and flavonoids. It naturally contains palmitoleic acid, which is a component of the skin. This fatty acid nourishes the skin and can treat systemic skin diseases, like dermatitis. The only other plant source of palmitoleic acid is macadamia nuts. The oil has a light consistency that easily absorbs into the skin. It has a light medicinal herbal scent.
2. Jojoba
The multi-purpose jojoba (pronounced, “ho-ho-ba”) oil is a liquid wax extracted from the seed of the jojoba plant, which is a woody shrub harvested in southwestern U.S. It has no color or scent and is very light. It is great for the skin and hair due to its vitamin E, B-complex, copper, sinc selenium, iodine and chromium content. It is extraordinarily gentle and thus great for sensitive skin types.
3. Argan
Argan oil is garnering a lot of attention these days as an anti-aging powerhouse. And, it’s true! The oil is produced from the argan nut, found inside the fruit of the argan tree native to Morocco. Argan oil improves the elasticity of the skin and has anti-aging effects.
4. Marula
Marula contains polyphenols, tocopherols, sterols, squalene and triterpene alcohols. Marula oil comes from the marula fruit from the marula tree. It is a member of the mango family and is native to Africa. It is packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, protein, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, copper and oleic acids. Its oleic acid increases the skin’s ability to hold onto moisture. Its antioxidants fight aging and vitamin C protects the skin from UV rays. Its vitamin E tocopherols protect the skin and enhance wound healing. Meanwhile, marula oil is known to fight inflammation.
5. Rosehip
Rosehip seed oil comes from a wild rose bush in the southern Andes. It is filled with vitamin A, vitamin C and essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6. It contains a glactolipid with anti-inflammatory benefits. It also helps to reduce fine lines and lessen pigmentation.
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Bottle of argan oil image via Shutterstock