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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 dry 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 nongreasy 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 about coconut oil for the face.
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. A person may also consider user reviews to understand whether the product delivers on its claims.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Price: MNT chooses products available for a wide range of budgets.
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products that clearly list all ingredients.
- Skin concerns: Where appropriate, MNT selects products that target a specific skin concern, such as dryness, oiliness, or aging.
- Safety: MNT chooses products that contain ingredients safe for topical use.
- Reputable: MNT selects products from businesses that adhere to industry best practices.
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 oily skin
Below are some of the best coconut oil products for the face available online.
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.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best for removing makeup: Public Goods Organic Coconut Oil
- Price: $8.25
- Volume: 16.9 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- Main ingredients: organic and unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil
- Skin type: no information available
Public Goods stocks this versatile, organic coconut oil that people can add to their recipes or apply to their hair and skin. According to the company, it is vegan-friendly and gluten-free, and it acts as a natural purifier and moisturizer.
The product labeling states 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.
A person can buy the Public Goods Organic Coconut Oil online for $8.25.
Best for dry skin: SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
- Price: $14.99
- Volume: 15 fl oz
- Main ingredients: coconut oil and vitamin E
- Skin type: dry
The company writes that this organic coconut oil is suitable for use on the hair and skin and as a makeup remover.
SheaMoisture claims that the fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals naturally present in coconut can help retain moisture in the skin. As such, it may be best for people with dry skin.
According to the company, this product is cruelty-free and free from phthalates, parabens, mineral oils, and sulfates.
A person can buy SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil online for $14.99.
Best for eczema: Viva Naturals Coconut Oil
- Price: $11.99–21.95
- Volume: 16, 32, and 54 fl oz
- Main ingredients: organic extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil
- Skin type: eczema- and psoriasis-prone
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.
A person can buy Viva Naturals Coconut Oil online for between $11.99–21.95.
Best for contact lens wearers: Burt’s Bees Natural Facial Cleansing Oil
- Price: $15.99
- Volume: 6 fl oz
- Main ingredients: coconut oil and argan oil
- Skin type: balanced to dry
The formulation of this coconut oil may suit people with balanced 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. Additionally, the online product description states dermatologists and ophthalmologists have tested this cleansing oil and deemed it 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.
A person can buy the Burt’s Bees Natural Facial Cleansing Oil online for $15.99.
Best for massaging: Now Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil
- Price: $8.49–18.99
- Volume: 4 and 16 fl oz
- Main ingredients: liquid coconut oil
- Skin type: dry or mature
Now Solutions offers this colorless and odorless coconut oil with a nongreasy texture.
The manufacturer recommends this product as a massage oil and to soften damaged hair. It comes in a liquid, meaning it will be easy to apply to larger areas of the skin for massage.
Now Solutions also claims it is suitable for people with dry or mature skin.
This product has Current Good Manufacturing Processes (cGMP) certification, which means its manufacturing process adheres to strict
A person can buy the Now Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil online for between $8.49–18.99.
Best scrub: Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub
- Price: $38
- Volume: 8 oz
- Main ingredients: virgin coconut oil, Moroccan rose, shea butter, and pink clay
- Skin type: all
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.
Herbivore writes that it is suitable for all skin types but it can particularly benefit those with dry skin.
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.
A person can buy the Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub online for $38.
Best for acne-prone skin: Cocokind Facial Repair Oil
- Price: $15
- Volume: 1 fl oz
- Main ingredients: organic coconut oil and organic rosehip oil
- Skin type: acne-prone
Cocokind’s facial repair oil claims to help reduce dark spots and provide an even-looking complexion. Dark spots can be a concern for people with acne and darker skin tones.
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 breakouts.
Cocokind has USDA organic certification and it is also Fair Trade Certified.
A person can buy Cocokind Facial Repair Oil online for $15.
Best for damaged skin: Sports Research Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Price: $19.79
- Volume: 16 fl oz
- Main ingredients: cold-pressed coconut oil
- Skin type: dry and damaged
Sports Research stocks this coconut oil for individuals with dry and damaged skin. It aims to leave the skin feeling smooth.
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. It also uses a cGMP-compliant facility to manufacture its products.
A person can buy Sports Research Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil online for $19.79.
Best nongreasy formula: Now Solutions Coconut Oil
- Price: $7.49
- Volume: 3 and 7 fl oz
- Main ingredients: coconut oil
- Skin type: all
This product claims to act as a conditioning moisturizer for the skin and hair. It contains saturated fats, which the company writes makes 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.
A person can buy Now Solutions Coconut Oil online for $7.49.
Best after-sun relief: Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother
- Price: $9.99
- Volume: 6 fl oz
- Main ingredients: aloe and coconut oil
- Skin type: all skin types after sun exposure
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 claims it does not contain parabens, phthalates, or petrolatum.
A person can buy the Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother online for $9.99.
The table below compares each of the products in this article for price, ingredients, and the type of skin they are suitable for.
| Best for | Main ingredients | Skin type | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Goods Organic Coconut Oil | removing makeup | organic and unrefined cold-pressed coconut oil | no information available | $8.25 |
| SheaMoisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil | peeling skin | coconut oil and vitamin E | dry | $14.99 |
| Viva Naturals Coconut Oil | eczema | organic extra virgin cold-pressed coconut oil | eczema- and psoriasis-prone | $11.99–21.95 |
| Burt’s Bees Natural Facial Cleansing Oil | contact lens wearers | • coconut oil • argan oil | balanced to dry | $15.99 |
| Now Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil | massaging | liquid coconut oil | dry or mature | $8.49–18.99 |
| Herbivore Botanicals Coco Rose Exfoliating Body Scrub | use as a scrub | • virgin coconut oil • Moroccan rose • shea butter • pink clay | all | $38 |
| Cocokind Facial Repair Oil | acne-prone skin | • organic coconut oil • organic rosehip oil | acne-prone | $15 |
| Sports Research Fractionated Coconut Oil | damaged skin | cold-pressed coconut oil | dry and damaged | $19.79 |
| Now Solutions Coconut Oil | a nongreasy formula | coconut oil | all | $7.49 |
| Burt’s Bees Aloe & Coconut Oil After Sun Soother | after-sun relief | • aloe • coconut oil | all skin types after sun exposure | $9.99 |
Below are answers to the top frequently asked questions about coconut oil for the face.
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. In fact, 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 someone with oily or acne-prone skin.