10 of the best coconut oils for the face in 2022

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• 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 and skin care

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.

A 2018 review notes that people with mild to moderate xerosis can use coconut oil to moisturize their skin. The oil can also provide some protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays but is not an effective sunscreen for use on its own.

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.

Learn more about coconut oil here.

How to choose

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.

Pros and cons of coconut oil for the face

There are several advantages and disadvantages of coconut oil:

Product list 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions relating to coconut oil:

Is it good to apply coconut oil to the face?

According to a 2019 study, virgin coconut oil may effectively help specific skin conditions, such as eczema and contact dermatitis.

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.

Summary

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.