Single ingredient beauty products usually fall on one end of the likability spectrum. This love or hate status has been evident on product review pages and blogs, of late. As a skincare enthusiast, I’m honestly baffled by the many negative opinions being voiced. At the same time, I’ve been amused by the dimming common sense among consumers.
Kopari Coconut Melt is one of my most consistently reached for face care formulas and has been a sinkside hero during this never-ending East Coast winter. Composed of pure coconut oil, the solid balm makes for an ultra gentle, nourishing and comforting makeup remover and face cleanser. Why are so many insisting that this is no different than “coconut oil you can get at the supermarket for $7?”
I’m not claiming to be an expert on coconut oil, but I can tell you that even Dr. Bronner’s (made from certified, fair trade, organic *AND* virgin oi) doesn’t go near my face. Incidentally, I do enjoy both formulas… one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. At this casa de los homos, Kopari and Dr. Bronner fulfill beauty and culinary duties respectively. Yes, I’ve tried the ‘mass’ variation as a hair mask or body moisturizer – in the end, I didn’t consider its performance worthy of a call for an encore.
Nothing basic about it.
Blending modern luxury with on-trend aesthetic, the Kopari range is wonderfully green, which is what initially attracted me to the Coconut Melt. Free of parabens, sulfates, silicone, and anything suspicious, the straight up coconut oil is the TESLA of coconut oils. Sourced on a family owned farm in the southern Philippines and harvested in small batches, the 100% organic extract thrives in the consistently moderate temperatures, which maximizes the healing and nourishing properties. Coconuts are picked at their prime, so they deliver optimal skincare benefits.
What are the benefits?
To boil it down, coconut oil consists predominantly of saturated fats, which is pretty good news in skincare. This nourishing, moisturizing, soothing, and healing botanical is rich in Vitamin E, proteins, and essential fatty acids. It is also naturally antimicrobial, making it a great fit for any skin type. I don’t recommend using pure coconut oil as a leave on moisturizer, especially not for those with problematic skin. For cleaning the face and removing makeup, I am highly selective. Kopari delivers.
Why do I like Kopari?
In addition to its attractive jar, Kopari Coconut Melt boasts a solid and luxurious texture. It is very manageable and applies easily since coconut oil liquifiies above 76F. Scoop up a small amount and as it warms in your fingertips, massage it into dry face and watch the makeup, pollution, and grime of the day melt away in seconds. Remove with washcloth (I live for the Bamboo Baby ones from Amazon). Typically, I spend at least a minute indulging because of the delicate, tropical hint of mouth watering coconut flesh. Currently salivating as I type…
Ideal for fans of double cleansing, it does phenomenally well as your first cleanse. During winter, my face was comfortable enough not to require a second cleanse. With warmer weather approaching, I have been following up with a variety of self-foaming formulas. As far as multi-tasking goes, the tiniest drop will help with flyaway hair. An equally small amount works great as a leave-in conditioner, especially on those hot summer days. Dry lips or elbows benefit from a dab before bed.
Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Oil
All coconut oils are not created equal. As with any epicurean ingredient, the factors that contribute to the integrity, taste, flavor and performance vary greatly. Think about olives, truffles, avocado or even blueberries! Not only does the climate and therefore the geographical location play a key role, the method of sourcing, processing, and when the ingredient is harvested also matter. Read the label on your favorite olive oil. I bet it’s a blend of olives grown in Greece, Tunisia, Italy, and California. I have yet to have better blueberries than those you find roadside in Maine and I’ve still not tasted sweeter bananas than those in Costa Rica.
Kopari does cost $38 for a 7 oz. jar but it will last months since you need only a small scoop per cleanse. Luxurious yet cool and approachable, the Coconut Melt is impressive. I prefer Kopari over both competing formulas from RMS and cocovit.
Explore the range at Sephora.com and KopariBeauty.com.
*press samples
I 100% agree with you that there can certainly be variables and your point about quality difference amongst blueberries, bananas, etc makes perfect sense! I haven’t tried Kopari but it’s on my list. I have tried and liked the RMS version and it was IN NO WAY the same as grocery store coconut oil! I hope lots of people read your post because it makes perfect sense. Also now want coconut chips immediately. Immediately! 😉
Happy Sunday, Bart!
I’ve cooked with coconut oil for years and always but very high quality. I’ve tried it on my face and it left me feeling too greasy. Just got my small kit Tuesday and just used it. It’s wonderful. I’m very impressed. Skin feels soft and most but not wet or oily. I’m on the backside of 74. 75 in August. I’ve always tried to take care of my normal to dry skin, but really hate using all the chemicals.
Will see how I feel after a couple weeks of use.