Organic Raw Virgin Oil – don’t let the name put you off. Time and time again I have been told to give this product a try because of its multiple uses and benefits. It can be used all over the body as a lusciously nourishing beauty treatment and can be used to replace oil/butter in cooking, baking, as a spread and in smoothies.

But what exactly is it you may ask? Optima 100% certified Organic Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is cold processed and non GM. Produced from raw fresh coconut flesh and not dried copra (the dried flesh of coconuts). It is highly nutritious food, a delicious culinary ingredient and is one of the finest cooking oils you can use.

Unlike most vegetable oils it is resistant to the breakdown of fatty acid chains even at higher cooking temperature. It solidifies below 24̊c but above this temperature it will turn to liquid. This is a natural characteristic due to its fatty acid profile and does not affect the quality of the product and can be used in either state!

However, having sensitive skin and a never ending battle to find a suitable moisturiser to reawaken my tired skin, I decided to give it a go as a beauty treatment. Admittedly it might look a little odd under your bathroom sink as opposed to in your pantry but the 500ml jar will keep you supplied.

On first opening I am instantly hit with a subtle wave of coconut, not too strong, just enough to tingle the senses. Now, I was slightly perturbed at the prospect of having to scoop out chunks of the coconut oil but it is easy to manipulate because it breaks off in chunks.

When it touches the skin it reacts with the body temperature turning it to oil, making it easy to rub in and covering a large surface. It has a pleasant texture and almost feels like you’re exfoliating your skin when using it. I have used this regularly for a month now and my skin has noticeably become softer and smoother. It also looks like I haven’t made a dent in the jar so I have plenty left to last me until summer!

Optima Raw Virgin Coconut Oil is available to purchase from independent health food stores across the country. For more information, head to www.optimah.com.