Coconut oil isn’t just for cooking—it’s one of the most versatile natural products for beauty, wellness, and daily routines. From skin care to hair health, teeth whitening, and more, knowing how to use coconut oil and why it works can help you get the most out of this natural powerhouse. Here are 12 ways to use coconut oil, including practical tips and benefits.
1. Coconut Oil for Skin: Moisturize, Soothe, and Protect
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid, which have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
Why it works: These fatty acids help restore the skin barrier, lock in moisture, and protect against environmental damage. Scientifically, lauric acid and other medium-chain fatty acids integrate into the lipid matrix of the skin barrier, strengthening its structure and preventing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). They also have antioxidant properties that protect skin cells from oxidative stress and antimicrobial activity that reduces the risk of infection. This makes them particularly effective for sensitive or compromised skin while providing a protective layer against pollutants and irritants.
How to use: Apply a thin layer to dry skin daily or after a shower. For sunburn, gently massage a small amount over the affected area to soothe irritation and reduce redness.
Coconut oil eczema relief: Gently massage onto inflamed areas 1–2 times daily. It can calm itching, reduce dryness, and improve skin hydration.
2. Coconut Oil for Hair: Shine, Strength, and Growth
Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft better than many other oils due to its low molecular weight, providing deep conditioning.
Why it works: The lauric acid binds to hair proteins, reducing protein loss and preventing breakage. It also moisturizes and protects hair from damage caused by heat and UV rays.
How to use:
- Oiling hair with coconut oil: Warm a small amount in your hands and massage into the scalp and hair, leave 30–60 minutes, then wash with a gentle shampoo.
- Coconut oil hair mask: Apply generously from roots to tips, leave for 1–2 hours or overnight under a shower cap, then rinse thoroughly.
Is coconut oil good for my hair? Yes, especially for dry, brittle, or chemically treated hair. Use 1–2 times per week for best results.
Coconut oil in hair benefits: Reduces protein loss, adds shine, and protects against environmental damage.
Pro Tip:
Coconut oil doesn’t always leave hair feeling soft. On fine, low-porosity, or protein-heavy hair, it can displace moisture or feel stiff if overused. To avoid this, apply sparingly to the ends, combine with a water-based leave-in, or try lighter oils like argan or jojoba for a softer, hydrated finish.
3. Oil Pulling with Coconut Oil for Oral Health
Oil pulling is an Ayurvedic practice that can improve oral hygiene.
Why it works: Coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth, which may reduce plaque and improve gum health. Scientifically, this is due to lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that has strong antibacterial and antifungal effects. Lauric acid disrupts the lipid membranes of harmful oral bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which are primarily responsible for plaque buildup and tooth decay. Regular oil pulling may also reduce levels of Candida albicans and other microorganisms linked to bad breath and gum inflammation. Additionally, swishing the oil stimulates saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and supports a balanced oral microbiome.
How to use: Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10–20 minutes, then spit it out (never swallow). Follow by brushing your teeth as usual.
Can coconut oil whiten teeth? Some small-scale studies indicate that swishing with coconut oil (oil-pulling) may reduce bacteria and plaque, which might indirectly make teeth appear brighter. But there is no solid evidence that it truly whitens teeth or removes deep stains. So treat it only as a supplementary habit, not a replacement for brushing, flossing and professional whitening.
4. Coconut Oil in Coffee: A Creamy Boost
Adding coconut oil to your coffee can provide a satisfying creamy texture and energy boost.
Why it works: The medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) in coconut oil are a unique type of fat that your body processes differently than most other fats. Unlike long-chain fats, which must be broken down and transported via the lymphatic system, MCTs travel directly to the liver where they’re swiftly converted into usable energy or ketones, offering a quicker fuel source for both body and brain.
Studies show that MCT intake can increase brain energy metabolism by supplying ketones in place of glucose. This rapid conversion may help sustain alertness and reduce mid-morning fatigue, potentially improving focus and cognitive performance.
How to use: Stir or blend 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into your coffee. Start small to see how your body tolerates it, then gradually increase to 1–2 teaspoons.
5. Makeup Remover and Gentle Cleanser
Coconut oil can dissolve makeup naturally without harsh chemicals.
Why it works: Coconut oil is lipid-based, meaning it’s made up of fats that can dissolve other oils and oil-based impurities. Because most makeup including foundation, mascara, and sunscreen contains oily or waxy components, “like dissolves like.” When you massage coconut oil onto the skin, it binds to the sebum, makeup, and sunscreen residues, lifting them away without stripping your skin’s natural moisture barrier.
At the same time, coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid, capric acid, and caprylic acid, which have natural emollient and antimicrobial properties. These fatty acids help soften the skin and support the lipid barrier, reducing transepidermal water loss while protecting against bacteria and environmental irritants.
The result is a gentle yet effective cleanser that melts away makeup and debris while leaving your skin hydrated and nourished, not tight or dry like many soap-based cleansers.
How to use: Apply a small amount to the face, massage gently, and wipe off with a soft cloth. Follow with your regular cleanser if needed. Works for waterproof mascara too.
*Side Note: Can coconut oil be used as facial moisturizer?
Coconut oil can also be used as a facial moisturizer, but it’s highly comedogenic (likely to clog pores), especially for oily or acne-prone skin. It works best for dry or normal skin, and using it sparingly or on dry patches can help reduce the risk of breakouts. Always patch test first, and consider lighter oils like squalane or argan if your skin is sensitive to heavy oils.
6. Natural Lip Balm
Coconut oil is a natural emollient that locks in moisture.
Why it works: The same fatty acids (especially lauric acid, capric acid, and myristic acid) that nourish and protect skin also benefit the lips. These medium-chain fatty acids have emollient properties , they fill in microscopic cracks and lock in moisture, forming a lightweight barrier that helps prevent further dryness.
Coconut oil is also occlusive, meaning it helps seal in hydration and protect against environmental stressors like cold, wind, and UV exposure. This makes it particularly effective for chapped or peeling lips, where the natural lipid layer is compromised. Additionally, lauric acid provides mild antimicrobial protection, helping soothe minor irritations or prevent infection in cracked areas.
How to use: Apply directly to lips as needed. For longer-lasting protection, mix with beeswax to form a DIY lip balm.
7. Soothing Minor Cuts and Scrapes
Coconut oil can accelerate the healing process for minor injuries.
Why it works: The fatty acids in coconut oil (especially the medium chain ones like lauric acid) bring together a powerful one‑two punch of moisturising and antibacterial action, which can help minor skin injuries heal more efficiently.
First, the oil forms a lipid‑rich film over the wound, helping retain moisture and thus supporting the skin’s natural repair processes (keeping tissues hydrated can speed up new cell formation).
Second, lauric acid and its metabolite monolaurin exhibit antibacterial and anti‑inflammatory properties, helping to reduce microbial load at the injury site and calm the inflammatory phase of healing. For example, a study found that topical or oral use of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) led to faster wound closure and smaller wound areas in a rat model, with increased markers of angiogenesis and faster fibroblast migration. Another study with human diabetic ulcer patients found that wound areas treated with VCO had significantly faster healing than those treated with standard wound care alone.
So, when you apply coconut oil to a minor scrape, cut or dry cracked area, you’re not just trapping moisture… you’re also creating an environment less favorable for infection and more favorable for regeneration.
How to use: Clean the affected area, then apply a thin layer of coconut oil. Cover with a bandage if needed, and reapply 1–2 times daily until healed.
8. Coconut Oil as a Hair Detangler
Coconut oil smooths the hair cuticle, reducing friction.
Why it works: When applied, the oil penetrates the hair shaft and coats the strands, reducing friction between hair fibers. This coating action makes hair smoother and easier to comb, which prevents breakage during detangling or styling.
Additionally, coconut oil reduces protein loss in both damaged and undamaged hair, helping maintain hair strength and elasticity. By sealing in moisture and protecting the hair cuticle, it also minimizes split ends and frizz, leaving hair healthier and shinier over time.
How to use: Apply a small amount to damp hair, then gently comb through. Focus on tangles and ends for best results.
9. Coconut Oil for Nail and Cuticle Care
Strong nails start with proper hydration and care.
Why it works: Lauric acid (found in coconut oil), which have excellent moisturizing and protective properties. When applied to the nails and cuticles, it penetrates the surrounding skin and the nail plate to lock in moisture, preventing dryness, cracking, and hangnails.
By keeping the nail bed hydrated, coconut oil also helps maintain nail flexibility, reducing brittleness and breakage. Additionally, its antimicrobial properties can protect the cuticle area from minor infections, supporting overall nail health. Regular application can result in stronger, smoother nails and softer, healthier-looking cuticles over time.
How to use: Massage a small amount into nails and cuticles daily or as needed. For extra protection, wear cotton gloves overnight.
10. Coconut Oil for Shaving
Coconut oil provides a smooth glide and moisturizes skin while shaving.
Why it works: Coconut oil’s lubricating and emollient properties create a thin, slippery barrier on the skin, which reduces friction between the razor and skin. This helps prevent common shaving issues such as nicks, cuts, razor burn, and irritation. At the same time, the oil’s moisturizing fatty acids, especially lauric and capric acid, nourish and hydrate the skin, helping to maintain the skin’s natural barrier and prevent dryness or post-shave flakiness. Its antimicrobial properties can also reduce the risk of minor infections in tiny cuts or abrasions caused during shaving.
By combining lubrication with skin nourishment, coconut oil makes shaving smoother, gentler, and more protective over time.
How to use: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to damp skin, shave as usual, and rinse. Follow with a light layer to lock in moisture.
11. Coconut Oil as a Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that help neutralize odor-causing bacteria.
Why it works: Lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid in coconut oil, has potent antimicrobial properties that can target the bacteria responsible for body odor. Body odor is primarily caused when sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin, producing odorous compounds.
By reducing the bacterial population in the underarm area, lauric acid helps minimize odor naturally. At the same time, coconut oil’s moisturizing fatty acids nourish the delicate skin under the arms, preventing dryness, irritation, and sensitivity that can result from frequent shaving or deodorant use.
This dual action… antimicrobial plus hydration… makes coconut oil a gentle yet effective option for natural underarm care.
How to use: Mix coconut oil with baking soda and cornstarch to create a paste. Baking soda helps neutralize odor by raising the pH and inhibiting odor-causing bacteria, while cornstarch absorbs moisture. Apply a thin layer to clean underarms daily for natural deodorizing and hydration.
12. Coconut Oil Body Scrub
Coconut oil can be combined with sugar or salt for an exfoliating body scrub.
Why it works: The coconut oil in the scrub deeply moisturizes the skin, thanks to its rich medium-chain fatty acids, which penetrate the skin barrier and lock in hydration. Meanwhile, the exfoliating granules… such as sugar, salt, or ground nuts… gently remove dead skin cells, clearing away dull, dry patches and helping to smooth rough texture.
By combining hydration with exfoliation, this dual-action approach not only leaves skin feeling soft and supple, but also enhances natural radiance, improves circulation, and allows moisturizers applied afterward to penetrate more effectively. Regular use can help maintain healthy, glowing skin without the irritation that harsher chemical exfoliants sometimes cause.
How to use: Mix 1/2 cup sugar or salt with 1/4 cup coconut oil. Gently scrub skin in circular motions in the shower, then rinse.
Pro Tip:
When choosing your scrub granules, consider your skin type and target area:
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Sugar: Fine and gentle, ideal for sensitive or dry skin. It dissolves slightly on contact with water and contains natural glycolic acid, which can help brighten skin and promote gentle cell turnover.
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Salt: Coarser and more abrasive, perfect for thick, rough, or oily areas like elbows, knees, or feet. Sea salt also adds trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, supporting skin health.
For best results, use sugar on delicate areas and salt on tougher patches. You can also blend both to balance gentle exfoliation with mineral benefits, leaving skin smooth, hydrated, and radiant without irritation.
Choosing the Right Coconut Oil
Refined vs. Unrefined vs. Cold-pressed
Refined coconut oil is processed to remove impurities, color, and odor. It has a neutral scent and lighter texture, making it a good choice for cooking or when you don’t want a strong coconut aroma on the skin or hair. However, refining removes some nutrients and antioxidants, so it’s less potent for skin and hair care compared to unrefined versions.
Unrefined coconut oil (often labeled virgin or cold-pressed) retains its natural aroma, nutrients, and antioxidants. It contains more polyphenols and beneficial fatty acids that help nourish and protect skin, hair, and nails. For topical use, unrefined oil provides maximum skin-softening, moisturizing, and antimicrobial benefits.
Cold-Pressed – Cold-pressed coconut oil is extracted without heat or chemical solvents, which helps preserve the natural fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
This minimally processed method ensures that the oil delivers the full spectrum of benefits for skin, hair, nails, and overall wellness. Cold-pressed oil is ideal if you’re using coconut oil for moisturizing, hair treatments, DIY scrubs, or natural deodorants, as it maintains the compounds that promote hydration, antimicrobial protection, and skin barrier support.
Pro Tip:
For beauty and skincare purposes, choose unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil to get the most nourishing and protective effects. Reserve refined coconut oil for cooking or when you prefer a neutral scent.
Final Thoughts
Coconut oil is a natural, versatile solution for skin hydration, hair care, oral health, and even your morning coffee. By understanding how and why each method works, you can maximize its benefits and integrate it seamlessly into your daily routine.
Start incorporating coconut oil into your beauty and wellness routine today. Try a coconut oil hair mask, practice oil pulling, or apply it to skin for hydration, you’ll notice the natural glow and health benefits almost immediately.