Coconut, naturally

MANILA, Philippines - For many generations, coconut oil was used by our common folk, women in particular, as part of their simple health and beauty regiment for thick, shiny hair and soft, glowing skin. Yet it seems it is only now that coconut oil is gaining the global acceptance that it deserves.

Someone once said, in the realm of beauty and fashion trends, “nothing exists until the fashionistas ‘discover’ it.” It was the international society writers who gave the coconut its moniker — the ‘it’ fruit — “due to its growing endorsements by international A-listers like Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston,  Jennifer Lopez, Cate Blanchet, and even Madonna, who admitted that it is the secret to her everlasting glow and vitality,” says Cocoline Naturals president Rica King.  Apasra Hongsakula, the first Thai to win the Miss Universe crown in 1965, is said to give credit to the wonders of the coconut for her ageless beauty.

Five years ago, Rica took an early retirement from the corporate world after a successful career largely spent marketing a popular skincare line for a multinational company. With more time on her hands, she started to take an interest in the coconut, reading and researching about the so-called “miracle fruit.”

 “The humble coconut has been getting a lot of boost worldwide due to the scientific uncovering of its 300+ wonderful benefits  that outperform other oils or beauty products,” Rica observes. She learned more about the growing need for healthy alternative beauty products. Thus was the Cocoline Naturals skincare product line conceived and developed.

The Cocoline Naturals skincare line — lotion, body wash, and beauty bar soap — was presented at a media launch, which was held recently at the impressive ballroom of the new Green Sun Hotel on Pasong Tamo Extension in Makati City.  “It comes in two variants — Cocoline Naturals Intensive Moisturizer and Cocoline Naturals Triple Whitening,” Rica explains.

The Cocoline Naturals Intensive Moisturizer has the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties of virgin coconut oil, its natural active ingredient, for healthy and beautiful skin. It also has goat’s milk, which naturally hydrates and moisturizes, for extra soft and smooth skin, without the greasy feel. The addition of licorice extracts, known to have anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties, helps soothe irritated skin and even out skin tone. It also provides a pleasant scent that lingers.

In addition to the benefits from the anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free-radical damage, which one gets from virgin coconut oil, the Cocoline Naturals Triple Whitening variant also has papaya enzymes that help exfoliate dead skin cells to whiten, soften, and smoothen skin. The addition of kojic acid also helps lighten skin naturally, while vitamin C helps lighten stubborn dark spots and protect the skin from photo damage. The lotion provides a matte finish for a natural looking coverage and SPF10 for daily protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays.

All Cocoline Naturals products are dermatologist-tested and paraben-free. “Parabens and other synthetic chemicals can be toxic to the body,” Rica points out. “As more chemicals are introduced to our bodies, weakened cells lead to illness. Prevention is always better than cure.”

While other health and beauty products usually have popular personality endorsers, Rica prefers not to jump into that bandwagon.  “Our star is the coconut,” she says. “The Philippines is known to be one of the biggest suppliers of coconut products to the world. We are home to the best quality coconut oil on the market. Our local coconut should be a source of pride and should be given the right support and attention.”

When she saw the numerous coconut trees felled and uprooted like toothpicks by the monster storm Yolanda, she had an epiphany.  This is her advocacy, Rica says. “We want Filipinos to be proud of the quality we can produce, not only for local consumers but also for the coconut-loving international market. Cocoline is bent on offering true health and beauty products that are caring, naturally.”