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There are many coconut oil products that a person can apply to their face, including moisturizers, makeup removers, and after-sun relief creams. Most are fragrance- and sulfate-free, but they may not benefit individuals with oily skin and may clog pores and worsen acne.
Quick links
- Best for removing makeup: Public Goods Organic Coconut Oil
- Best for peeling skin: SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Best for eczema: Viva Naturals Coconut Oil
- Best for contact lens wearers: Burt’s Bees Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
- Best for massaging: Now Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil
- Best scrub: Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
- Best for acne-prone skin: Cocokind Facial Repair Oil
- Best for damaged skin: Sports Research Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Best non-greasy formula: Now Solutions Coconut Oil
- Best for after-sun relief: Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
This article discusses coconut oil in more detail and the factors a person can consider when choosing products containing this oil. It also lists some frequently asked questions.
Coconut oil is high in saturated fats. It does not contain cholesterol or fiber, but it has traces of plant sterols, minerals, and vitamins. It typically has a firm texture at room temperature, but it can also soften or melt if a person heats it.
Some studies show that this oil can benefit a person’s skin care routine.
Another study reviewed the effects of virgin coconut oil in rats with diabetes. The researchers found that the oil improved collagen production in wounds and was more effective than silver sulfadiazine cream in healing diabetes wounds.
Some factors that people may consider when looking for a coconut oil product include:
- Testing: A person can check whether a company has any certifications related to the testing processes it uses. For example, brands claiming their products are cruelty-free as they do not test ingredients on animals should have certified proof of this.
- Ingredients: Some products contain other ingredients besides coconut oil. Argan oil is present in some formulations, and
an older study states that this can help protect the skin from sun damage. People may also find products containing shea butter. - Use: Individuals should consider reading a product’s label to check that they can use them for the facial area. Some coconut oils may also be safe to use on the hair.
There are several advantages and disadvantages of coconut oil:
Pros
- may suit different skin types
- can hydrate the skin
- can often be free from gluten, sulfates, and fragrance
- can be safe to use on other body areas
Cons
- can clog pores
- can leave a greasy residue when using large amounts
- may not suit those with greasy skin
Below are some of the best products containing coconut oil.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Public Goods Organic Coconut Oil
Best for removing makeup
Price | around $8 |
Volume | 16 fl oz |
Main ingredients | organic and unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil |
Public Goods stocks this versatile, organic coconut oil that people can add to their recipes or apply to their hair and skin. It is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and it acts as a natural purifier and moisturizer.
It does not contain preservatives or artificial colors.
This oil has many positive reviews on the company’s website. Some people state they use it as a makeup remover and others as a hair mask, as it makes the hair and skin appear shiny.
SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Best for peeling skin
Price | around $15 |
Volume | 15 fl oz |
Main ingredients | coconut oil and vitamin E |
This organic coconut oil may suit individuals with peeling skin, as caused by some forms of cancer treatment. Reviewers note that it provides immediate results without irritation.
The company states this product is cruelty-free and free from phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, and sulfates.
Viva Naturals Coconut Oil
Best for eczema
Price | starting from around $12 |
Volume | 16, 32, and 54 fl oz |
Main ingredients | organic extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil |
The manufacturer of this extra virgin coconut oil states it is gluten-free, organic, and does not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). It also has USDA Organic certification.
According to reviews, this product may suit individuals with eczema and psoriasis as users state that it has improved their condition.
Burt’s Bees Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
Best for contact lens wearers
Price | around $16 |
Volume | 6 fl oz |
Main ingredients | coconut oil and argan oil |
The formulation of this coconut oil may suit people with normal to dry skin. Individuals can use it as a face wash, and the company claims that it provides instant hydration.
Burt’s Bees says this product has no parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum and is safe for people who wear contact lenses.
In 2015, the company received its CarbonNeutral certification due to its use of landfill-free operations. The brand does not test its products on animals and has Leaping Bunny certification to show this.
Now Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil
Best for massaging
Price | starting from around $7 |
Volume | 4 and 16 fl oz |
Main ingredients | liquid coconut oil |
Now Solutions offers this colorless and odorless coconut oil with a non-greasy texture.
The manufacturer states that individuals can use this product as part of their massage therapy and soften damaged hair.
Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
Best scrub
Price | around $36 |
Volume | 8 ounces |
Main ingredients | virgin coconut oil, Moroccan rose, shea butter, and pink clay |
This body scrub has a moisturizing effect that the company says softens the skin and leaves a coconut and rose petal scent. It is vegan and cruelty-free. The formulation has no added dyes, fragrances, or preservatives.
The brand recommends massaging a handful of this body scrub onto dry and rough skin patches and rinsing off after 1 or 2 minutes.
Many positive reviews on the Herbivore Botanicals website praise this body scrub’s quality. Some individuals state they use this product for their face as it is gentle and does not irritate the skin.
Cocokind Facial Repair Oil
Best for acne-prone skin
Price | around $15 |
Volume | 1 fl oz |
Main ingredients | organic coconut oil and organic rosehip oil |
Cocokind’s facial repair oil claims to help reduce dark spots and provide an even-looking complexion.
Cocokind has the USDA organic certification, and it is also Fair Trade Certified.
According to the company website, individuals should massage the oil into the affected area in the morning and evening after cleansing and toning their skin.
Some individuals state that this oil works on oily and acne-prone skin. According to reviews, it helps reduce their acne scars and did not cause any breakouts.
Sports Research Fractionated Coconut Oil
Best for damaged skin
Price | around $17 |
Volume | 16 fl oz |
Main ingredients | cold-pressed coconut oil |
Sports Research stocks this coconut oil for individuals with dry and damaged skin.
The company claims the oil does not contain peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, or gluten, but a person should always read the label for full allergen information.
Additionally, this product is vegan-certified, and Sports Research claims that it does not test its products on animals.
Now Solutions Coconut Oil
Best non-greasy formula
Price | around $7 |
Volume | 3 and 7 fl oz |
Main ingredients | coconut oil |
This product claims to act as a conditioning moisturizer for the skin and hair and contains saturated fats, making it suitable for all complexions.
Some individuals found that this coconut oil does not leave a greasy residue on the skin, and they also recommend using a small amount to moisturize the face.
Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
Best after-sun relief
Price | around $10 |
Volume | 6 fl oz |
Main ingredients | aloe and coconut oil |
This product claims to help soothe the face and body after a person exposes their skin to the sun. The company says it absorbs quickly and provides the skin with deep moisture.
It has no parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum.
Here are some common questions relating to coconut oil:
Is it good to apply coconut oil to the face?
According to a
However, coconut oil has a high oil content, and coconut oil-derived products may not be the best option for people with greasy or acne-prone skin.
Can I use coconut oil on my face every day?
Some companies that sell coconut oil state that people can use the product as a makeup remover. They recommend massaging it onto the skin and then rinsing with warm water.
A person may also find scrubs containing coconut oil for dry skin. They may have to apply the product to their skin and rinse off after a few minutes.
Can coconut oil remove blackheads?
Not usually. Coconut oil can clog a person’s facial pores. The molecules in the oil cannot absorb into the skin, so they lay on the surface, causing sebum to accumulate in the pores.
This can increase a person’s chance of developing blackheads or breakouts on their face and skin to appear oily.
Many products containing coconut oil are safe to apply to the facial area. People can find moisturizers, scrubs, and after-sun relief. Some brands also create products that may benefit individuals with eczema and are safe to use for people who wear contact lenses.
However, coconut oil can clog pores, so it may not suit a person with greasy or acne-prone skin.