Coconut oil or copra oil is an edible oil extracted from the kernel or meat of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera). It has various applications as food or in cosmetics. Because of its high saturated fatcontent， it is slow to oxidize and， thus， resistant to rancidification， lasting up to six months at 24 °C (75 °F) without spoiling.
Food use: Coconut oil is commonly used in cooking， especially for frying， and is a common flavor in many South Asian curries.
Cosmetic use: Coconut oil can be used as a skin moisturizer， Helping with dry skin and reduces protein loss when used in hair.
Before the advent of electrical lighting， coconut oil was the primary oil used for illumination in India and was exported as cochin oil.
Coconut oil is an important base ingredient for the manufacture of soap. Soap made with coconut oil tends to be hard， although it retains more water than those made with other oils and therefore increases manufacturer yields. It is more soluble in hard water and salt water than other soaps allowing it to lather more easily. A basic coconut oil soap is clear when melted and a bright white when hardened.
A repellent made from coconut oil may be effective to prevent tungiasis-causing sand fleas from penetrating the skin.
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