We all agree coconut oil is amazing due to its versatility and myriad of nutritional, health, and beauty benefits. Caring for your coconut oil is as easy as following a few simple steps. This will ensure you are getting the most of your amazing product.
Often, people will stick their wet hand into the jar to scoop it out to use as a moisturizer on their skin after a shower. While there is no doubt coconut oil makes a fantastic moisturizer due to its natural moisture-rich medium chain fatty acid profile, introducing water and bacteria into the coconut oil in this way may lead to mold growth, despite the coconut oil itself being anti-fungal/anti-microbial. Similarly, sticking wet kitchen utensils into the jar, or double dipping after your first scoop may also cause mold growth and cross-contamination to occur. The coconut oil itself will not develop mold, it is by introducing foreign particles or moisture that may happen.
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure that you enjoy and get the most out of your coconut oil.. Remember, there is no reason why you can’t use this amazing product for up to two years from the date of purchase. Here’s how:
- avoid dipping wet utensils into the jar
- avoid placing wet, moist or dry fingers into the jar – use clean, dry utensils instead (the oil from our skin/pores contains moisture)
- ensure to keep the lid securely sealed when not using the oil (to avoid it coming into contact with the moist, humid atmosphere)
- always store your oil in a cool, dry place
- use dry, clean utensils to remove the oil when in a solid state (you can pour it straight from the bottle when in a liquid state)
- no double dipping! Once you have used a utensil ensure that either it has been washed and dried properly, or grab another one before going in for your next scoop
The more you care for your coconut oil, the more it will care for you :)