our blog

by Shannon Roberson

Nature’s Gift: Discover the Wonders of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a staple in American culture, celebrated for its versatility in both the kitchen and beauty products. But it wasn’t always as easy to find. Over 45 years ago, our founder, Denise “Kuumba” Piazza discovered the magic of coconut oil while living off the earth and traveling to exotic destinations in the Caribbean and Polynesian islands. Captivated by the process, she immersed herself in the ancient art of coconut oil making—long before it gained popularity in Western cultures.  Kuumba studied and practiced traditional methods of crafting coconut oil, learning firsthand the wisdom passed down through generations. She founded Kuumba Made with her handmade coconut oil, infused with rose petals, calendula, and lavender harvested from her garden. From the very beginning, coconut oil has been at the heart of our story—sparking Kuumba’s passion for sharing the bounties of nature to nurture and uplift others. This remarkable gift from the earth continues to inspire both Kuumba and the brand today.  Coconut Oil Benefits Coconut isn’t just a delicious addition to drinks and desserts—it holds incredible health benefits for your skin and hair. For thousands of years, coconut oil has been cherished as a natural remedy in tropical regions.  Historically, coconut oil has been used in traditional practices to comfort and care for the skin, often applied to areas affected by dryness, irritation or minor skin discomforts. This pure, organic skin food is also rich in vitamins D and E, as well as powerful antioxidants, which protect and enhance the natural radiance of your skin for a vibrant, youthful glow.  A few key components of coconut oil that promote healthy, glowing skin:  Fatty acids - Lauric and capric acid, found in coconut oil, moisturize and protect your skin while calming sensitivity. These fatty acids also strengthen the skin barrier, helping to retain moisture and block irritants. Antioxidants - the benefits of coconut oil on skin are largely due to its abundance of antioxidants, like vitamin E, which combat harmful free radicals from UV rays and pollutants. Saturated fats - While dietary saturated fats spark debate, they’re a blessing for dry skin, promoting softness, preventing moisture loss, and reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier. How to Use Coconut Oil for Skin and Self-Care We like to call coconut oil a skin food because it feeds your skin with healthy fats, proteins, and antioxidants that help it thrive. Here are our favorite ways to incorporate coconut oil into your beauty routine and treat yourself to the ultimate self-care experience:  Daily skin hydration - Use coconut oil as a daily moisturizer to prevent dryness and flakiness. It absorbs best on damp skin, leaving you soft and radiant all day long. Nourishing Hair Treatment – Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your hair and scalp, let it soak in for 1–2 hours, then rinse and wash as usual. This treatment promotes shine and strengthens hair. Decadent bath oil - A luxurious coconut oil bath nourishes your skin and provides a relaxing escape. Add a spoonful to hot water, and let the aroma and moisture transport you to bliss. Massage oil - Elevate intimacy with the silky texture and mood-enhancing aromas of pure, botanically-infused coconut oil. Pro Tip: Coconut oil solidifies below 76°F. Simply warm it between your palms before applying. Botanically Infused Organic Coconut Oils Kuumba believes that the earth provides everything we need to care for ourselves and one another. She learned to transform nature’s beautiful gifts into products that nurture, heal, and uplift—always with the intention of spreading love and care. Starting with coconut oil, that love is now woven into every formula, every step of the process, and every small batch we create.  Our Botanically Infused Coconut Oils are crafted with the finest certified organic extra virgin coconut oil. Vegan, 100% natural, and handmade with love in small batches, these oils are infused with precious herbs, flowers, and plants to bring the nurturing power of nature directly to your skin.  Explore our collection of Botanically Infused Organic Coconut Oils:  Rose Infused Coconut Oil: Rose nourishes the heart and encourages love and serenity. It softens, soothes, and hydrates your skin and hair and raises your vibrational frequency.  Calendula Infused Coconut Oil: Calendula is loved for its skin-soothing benefits, and for supporting healthy, vibrant skin. Hydrating, nourishing, and gentle enough for even the most sensitive bodies. Fans of this oil lovingly call it “magic in a jar.” Jasmine Infused Coconut Oil: Sweet and enticing, jasmine’s uplifting aroma evokes feelings of happiness and romance while calming and soothing your skin.  Vanilla Infused Coconut Oil: Irresistibly sweet, vanilla’s calming scent wraps you in warmth and comfort. The delicious aroma is considered by some to be an aphrodisiac. Lavender Infused Coconut Oil: Lavender is gentle and balancing, promoting harmony and ease. When used topically it calms, soothes, and tones the skin.