Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin: How to Use, Where to Buy + DIY Recipes

Coconut Oil is a very popular skin care product that is often used for people who have very dry skin and need deep hydration.

It can be used in a variety of lotions and creams and helps to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Coconut Oil is often purchased in a solid form but has a low melting point that makes it easy to incorporate it into certain skincare recipes.

Coconut Oil Quick Facts

Coconut Oil Scientific Name:

Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil

Coconut Oil Comedogenic Rating:

Coconut Oil has a comedogenic rating of 4, meaning that it is likely to clog pores.

Coconut Oil Extraction Method:

Coconut Oil is extracted from mature coconut kernels.

Coconut Oil INCI Name:

Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil

Cocnut Oil COSING Number:

75444

Coconut Oil Skincare Recommendations:

Coconut Oil is recommended for people with dry skin.

Coconut Oil Absorption Rating:

Coconut Oil is high in medium-chain fatty acids and is easily absorbed into the skin. If you’re using a product that uses a large amount of Coconut Oil or plain Coconut Oil, it can leave skin feeling heavy or greasy.

Coconut Oil Melting Point:

Coconut Oil has a melting point of 78°F (25.56°C)

Coconut Oil Composition

Lauric Acid (C₁₂:0)	44-52.0%
Myristic Acid (C₁₄:0)	13-19.0%
Palmitic Acid (C₁₆:0)	8-11.0%
Capric Acid (C₁₀:0)	6-10.0%
Caprylic Acid (C₆:0)	5-9.0%
Stearic Acid (C₁₈:0)	1-3.0%
Oleic Acid (C₁₈:1, ⍵-9)	5-8.0%

*Fatty acid breakdown is shared from Modern Cosmetics Volume 1.

What is Coconut Oil?

Coconut Oil is an oil that is made from pressing coconut kernels. It has been used for many years as a health supplement and as a product to help skin stay healthy and youthful.

It is antibacterial, which can help cleanse skin and reduce microorganisms on the skin. Its high levels of linoleic acid and omega-6 fatty acids can help keep skin soft and smooth.

Coconut Oil is typically sold as a solid but it has a low melting point and often melts when it’s over 78°F. This makes it a great oil to use for massage oils.

When incorporated into skincare recipes it is important to keep in mind that Coconut Oil will melt when exposed to heat and return to a solid when cooled.

Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin

Coconut Oil has many benefits for skin. It is antimicrobial, which can help to reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.

This can help to reduce breakouts that are caused by large amounts of microorganisms on skin.

But if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne, you may want to avoid using Coconut oil on your face.

Coconut oil’s comedogenic rating is 4, which means it does have the capability to cause breakouts.

Coconut Oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which makes it very hydrating and soothing for skin. It can keep skin feeling soft and smooth as well as help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also makes a great exfoliator and can help get rid of dead skin cells.

Coconut Oil can reduce inflammation to help minimize skin irritation and redness. It can help lock in moisture to help keep skin from chaffing and becoming irritated as well.

Popular Coconut Oil Uses for Skin

Coconut Oil is great for use in moisturizers. It can be used in many lotions and products that help with anti-aging and locking in moisture.

It is a great oil to use if you are looking for deep hydration and works well in overnight creams and serums.

Coconut Oil is an excellent exfoliator and can get rid of dead skin cells. It can also remove makeup, particularly around the eyes and other sensitive areas.

Coconut Oil Substitutes

If you’re looking for a substitute for Coconut Oil to use in skin care recipes then there are a few options.

Babassu butter is great for aging skin, and is the consistency of raw coconut oil. It contains over 40% lauric acid, the main ingredient in coconut oil that makes it so great for mature, dry or damaged skin. It’s very non-greasy and penetrates the skin quickly.

Avocado Oil is one of the best substitutes for Coconut Oil, it has a lower comedogenic rating, so it isn’t as likely to clog pores. It absorbs into skin rather quickly and helps decrease inflammation.

If you’re looking for an oil that is deeply hydrating but is less heavy and less likely to clog pores then give Argan Oil a try!

Argan Oil has a comedogenic rating of 0 and is not likely to clog pores. It has a lot of the anti-aging benefits that Coconut Oil has and can keep skin feeling soft and smooth.

Warnings/Contraindications for Coconut Oil

If you have any tree nut allergies or are allergic to coconuts, then it is not recommended that you use Coconut Oil topically.

Coconut Oil has a comedogenic rating of 4 and can clog pores, it is recommended to use Coconut Oil sparingly on skin. Perform a patch test on an area of skin that is not as sensitive as your face to test how your skin will react.

Where to Buy Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Unrefined

Photo Credit: mountainroseherbs.com

Mountain Rose Herbs is committed to putting people, plants, and planet before profit with everything they do. They are committed to sustainability, and a certified Zero Waste company. They currently only offer shipping to the United States & Canada.

Nutiva Organic Cold-Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil | Amazon

Organic 100% Cold Pressed Coconut oil from Nutiva! Order on Amazon for quick delivery!

Coconut Oil Virgin Certified Organic | Soapmaker's Store (UK)

Photo Credit: soapmakers-store.com

Based in the United Kingdom, Soapmakers Store is a family owned business specialising in the sourcing and supply of premium quality ingredients to the Cosmetic, Toiletry, Aromatherapy, and Soapmaking Industries. With over 40 years experience in the Natural Ingredients Industry, they will endeavour to be your 'one stop shop' for quality raw material supplies. They do offer shipping outside of Europe, but there will be additional charges.

Coconut Organic Carrier Oil - Fair Trade | New Directions Aromatics (CA)

Photo Credit: www.newdirectionsaromatics.com

New Directions Aromatics is a Canadian based company offering a wide variety of skincare and formulating supplies. They also offer a variety of Organic, Fair Trade & Ecocert Ingredients. They ship mainly to Canada & the US, but do offer International Shipping as well.