Coconut Oil in Skin Care: Benefits, Types, and Uses for Healthy Skin

Coconut Oil in Skin Care

Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients in skin care because of its luxurious moisturizing feeling. Though most people are probably aware of this ingredient, not everybody knows how it works or what it’s made of.

Coconut oil contains primarily saturated fats and is used in many product types in skin care such as moisturizers, sunscreens, cleansers, and balms.

To find out if this ingredient is right for your skin type, take our quiz by clicking the button below!

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil, (Cocos nucifera), is an extract of the coconut used in multiple forms across food and skin care industries.

Coconut oil can be used as either a refined or unrefined ingredient. Based on the processing of coconut oil and its resulting fatty acid concentrations and properties, coconut oil will have different functions in skin care. Many skin care products use coconut oils to treat conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, or sun damage.

What is unrefined coconut oil?

Unrefined coconut oil is an extract pressed from coconut meat, either alongside or separated from the coconut’s water. The process is called “wet pressing” with coconut water, and “dry pressing” without coconut water. (3)

After a little cleaning, no further processing is performed on unrefined coconut oil.

Unrefined coconut oil maintains the fragrance and flavor of coconuts, so is used in food products as well as skin care products.

What is refined coconut oil?

Refined coconut oil has been processed to change its saturated fatty acid concentration through pressure, chemical treatments, and application of heat.

Refinement of coconut oil results in a smoother, less solid product at room temperature product than unrefined coconut oil.

Refined coconut oil is more shelf stable than unrefined coconut oil, but contains fewer beneficial fatty acids.

Refined coconut oil is odorless and flavorless.

Benefits of unrefined coconut oil

Benefits of unrefined coconut oil in skin care

Unrefined coconut oil is made of different kinds of medium chain saturated fatty acids that hydrate and smooth the skin.

It also maintains a coconut fragrance and flavor.

It is safe to use on skin for adults and children as it is non-toxic, but it can cause clogged pores and acne.

Unrefined coconut oil features many potential skin benefits(4) :

antioxidant

anti-inflammatory

antibacterial

speeds wound healing

prevent stretch marks

Unrefined coconut oil is an occlusive ingredient; it is great at preventing trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL), loss of moisture from the skin due to evaporation.

The moisturizing and fatty acid properties of unrefined coconut oil have been shown to greatly assist in eczema treatments (5) and can help repair the skin barrier when combined with cholesterol and ceramides.

Unrefined coconut oil inhibits the growth of many skin bacteria. (9)

High concentrations of monolaurin (derived from lauric acid) assist in decreasing acne-causing bacteria and hydrating the skin barrier.

Unrefined coconut oil has even been shown to aid with healing on certain kinds of wounds on the skin of albino rats. (1)

Raw coconut even has a strong antioxidant capacity which may help slow skin aging. (21)

For those reasons, unrefined virgin coconut oil is considered a highly beneficial ingredient in skin care products unless you have acne or oily skin.

benefits of refined coconut oil

Benefits of refined coconut oil

Refined coconut oil is not comedogenic, as many of the pore-clogging fatty acids have been processed out.

Refined coconut oil products have a less greasy texture than unrefined coconut oils.

It is also odorless and flavorless.

Refined coconut oil has a much longer shelf life than unrefined coconut oil.

It is, however, less effective in hydrating skin and restoring lipids to the skin barrier than unrefined coconut oil is.

Take the Quiz

What kinds of fatty acids are in coconut oil?

The most significant fatty acid in coconut oils by concentration and uniqueness is lauric acid.

Lauric acid is easily absorbed by phospholipid bilayers and is easily processed by the liver. Out of all saturated fatty acids examined in one study, lauric acid demonstrated the smallest contribution to fat development in the body. (10) This means that using coconut oil poses no threat to your cholesterol or blood pressure levels.

The fatty acids found in coconut oils are helpful in hydrating the skin and fighting bacteria.

Lauric acid penetrates the skin through just the first few layers, while the rest of the coconut oil mostly hydrates the surface of the skin, preventing trans-epidermal water loss.

dangers of coconut oil

Dangers of coconut oil in skin care

The dangers of coconut oil are mainly allergies or improper use in your skin care regimen.

Besides being comedogenic, coconut oils are considered extremely safe, with an EWG rating score of “1,” the second best score after “verified.”

Coconut oils are free from many common causes of concern; they are sustainably sourced, useful in skin care, and have not been shown to have dangerous adverse effects.

Note that coconut oil might bleach your bedsheets.

Side effects of coconut oil in skin care

Overuse of occlusive ingredients like coconut oils can result in an excess of moisture on the face, which can lead to a change in microbiome on the skin.

The antimicrobial effects of coconut oil also affect the microbiome.

Use of unrefined coconut oil has a chance of clogging pores on acne prone skin.

Is coconut oil safe?

Is refined coconut oil safe for use in skin care?

Refined coconut oil is safe to use and common in skin care products.

Refined coconut oil doesn’t have many of the beneficial fatty acids unrefined coconut oil has that are needed to hydrate the skin, which means it needs to be combined with other moisturizing ingredients in many cases to be effective.

Is unrefined coconut oil safe in skin care products?

Unrefined coconut oil, also called virgin coconut oil, is safe in skin care products as long as you are neither allergic to coconut oil nor acne prone.

It is extremely common in skin care products.

Acne-prone skin may develop comedones from unrefined coconut oil.

Otherwise, it is a completely safe and even beneficial ingredient in skin care products.

Take the Quiz

Coconut oil and the microbiome

Does coconut oil affect the microbiome?

Yes, coconut oil has a big effect on the skin’s microbiome.

About 50% of the fatty acids in unrefined coconut oil are lauric acid.

Monolaurin is a monoglyceride derived from lauric acid that has well documented antimicrobial activity.

Monolaurin from coconut oil has been shown to kill Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Bacillus subtilis(19) and to decrease levels of Cutibacterium acnes. (20)

Coconut oil for specific conditions

Coconut oil is used in the treatments of many conditions because of its unique valuable fatty acid composition and occlusive nature.

It is used in skin care routines to treat a number of dry skin conditions as well as repairing sun damage and treating inflammation.

Does coconut oil treat acne or make it worse?

Unrefined coconut oil is comedogenic so it is not recommended for acne-prone skin

Refined coconut oil is non-comedogenic and safe for use in acne-prone skin types if used properly in your custom skin care regimen.

Refined coconut oil and coconut oil extracts without comedogenic fatty acids are good for acne if they contain monolaurin. (19)

Monolaurin decreases levels of acne-causing bacteria called Cutibacterium acnes.

The skin care brand VMV Hypoallergenics contains extracts of coconut oil that are not comedogenic and are safe to use in acne-prone skin.

(They have had supply issues during covid so some of their products are out of stock.)

Many of these products contain monolaurin.

These are our the best face creams with coconut oil but take the quiz and follow our suggestions to find the best products for your skin type.

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Gentle Gel Cleanser

$33.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 40, (10 ampoules)

$149.60

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Intensive Serum 50 (10 ampoules)

$195.00

Out of Stock

Biopelle Tensage Radiance Eye Cream

$95.70

Add to Cart

DermAvance Arnika Forte Capsules

$40.00

Add to Cart

Bioderma Sensibio Foaming Gel Cleanser

$7.19

Add to Cart

Biopelle Brightening KNR Serum

$126.00

Add to Cart

Biopelle Retriderm Serum Plus 0.75% Retinol

$89.50

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Advanced Cream Moisturizer

$89.66

Add to Cart

Biopelle Tensage Daily Serum SCA 15

$149.60

Add to Cart

Coconut oil for eczema

Moisturizers containing occlusive ingredients like coconut oils are used commonly in skin care to hold moisture or soothing ingredients against the skin.

Unrefined coconut oil might be good for use in eczema depending on your skin type. It contains high concentrations of fatty acids like lauric acid that have been proven to treat eczema. (3)

Refined coconut oil has far fewer fatty acids and is less hydrating and reparative to the skin barrier. This kind of coconut oil is not recommended for eczema treatments.

Some of the best other oils for treating eczema have high concentrations of anti-inflammatory fatty acids like linoleic acid. Some oils with high concentrations of linoleic fatty acids are:

Argan oil

Evening primrose oil

Sunflower oil

Coconut oil for psoriasis

There are many effective treatments for psoriasis that contain coconut oils or similar saturated fats for their hydrating, protective properties.

Layering your coconut oil products in particular ways with other products can help you control the absorption rate of ingredients into your skin.

coconut oil for hair care

Coconut oil for hair care

Coconut oil is a good ingredient in hair care because it contains fatty acids that bind with and hydrate hair.

It has very high concentrations of lauric acid, which is very useful in hair care products for taming dry or frizzy hair. (2).

One study shows that between coconut, mineral, and sunflower oils, coconut made the largest impact in reparative hair care.

Coconut oil was able to bind the proteins in hair strands more effectively than the other oils, making an appreciable positive impact in the hair health of subjects.

Which kinds of skin care products use coconut oil?

Coconut oil can be used in any product that needs a thick occlusive, a smooth emollient, or a safe natural oil based ingredient.

Sunscreens often contain coconut oils to keep skin hydrated, but coconut oil alone does not provide sufficient SPF to prevent UV damage, and should be combined with sunscreen ingredients.

Moisturizers often use coconut oils for their combined antibacterial, hydrating, and occlusive properties.

Cleansers with coconut oil use it to hold exfoliating or otherwise cleansing ingredients against the skin and to eliminate surface bacteria. These leave a fatty acid residue on the skin after rinsing.

Serums with coconut oil could be used for antiaging in combination with retinoids because they also have antioxidant properties good for anti-aging regimens.

Antiaging creams such as retinoids may contain coconut oil.

Skin lightening creams may contain coconut extracts but these are not the best types of products to use to lighten skin because they are high in saturated fatty acids.

Best coconut oil products

The best coconut oil product for you depends on your Baumann Skin Type and personal skin conditions.

Here are some of our favorite products with coconut oils, look for your octagon to see which products are right for you!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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