There's no shortage of all-purpose essential oils in the beauty world. You've got coconut, argan, marula, avocado, jojoba, and many more— all with antioxidants in spade that make your skin smoother and your hair that much softer.
In fact, for awhile, it seemed like we were in the midst of an Oil Overload. That is, until we met the one that renewed our love of the beauty go-to—crocodile oil. The very name alone was enough to hook us—surely this was the solution for our newly-minted lizard skin. And according to the Telegraph, it's just that.
An age-old skin-healing secret of Mexico, Madagascar, and South Africa, it's now getting worldwide attention via Repcillin, a beauty brand that's formulates soaps, scrubs, balms, and shampoos with Nile crocodile oil.
Because we know you're curious, here are a few reasons why you might want to abandon coconut oil (at least for the colder months) and channel your inner croc.
It's *incredible* for dry skin
Even though crocodiles are notorious for their scaly skin, their fat is rich in skin-healing/softening ingredients such as vitamin E and A, linoleic acid, sapogens, and antiseptic terpines. This is why it's been used for centuries to treat conditions like eczema and psoriasis. It's also great for thirsty, crackly lips.
It will reduce redness in the skin
Crocodile oil is also packed with fatty acids, like omega 3, 6, and 9, which are anti-inflammatory i.e. will lessen the appearance of redness for sensitive, pinky-prone skin.
It can heal wounds and irritation
It contains oleic acid, which is a key ingredient for cell regeneration. According to one study, croc oil can significantly accelerate the wound-healing process, as well as reduce the appearance of scars.
It's ultra-nourishing for your hair
Whether you're using it to wash your hair with Repcillin's shampoo or in the purest form to slick back your hair à la Nicole Richie, it will hydrate your strands to silk status.
It's sourced ethically
While sourced from crocodiles, ethically-minded companies like Repcillin have their practices and products approved by environmental organizations like Not Tested on Animals, Fairtrade, and Eco Salt. So you can breathe a little easier.
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