Coconut oil has gained popularity as a natural remedy for many health, beauty, and household needs.
From skincare to cooking, this versatile oil is praised for its nourishing properties. However, there’s more to coconut oil than meets the eye, and you might be surprised by the sheer variety of ways it can be used.
In this article, we’ll reveal 25 amazing uses of coconut oil for health and beauty, along with 10 additional household uses that might just change the way you look at this natural wonder.
25 Health & Beauty Uses of Coconut Oil
1. Natural Moisturizer
Coconut oil is a fantastic, all-natural moisturizer for your skin. Its high-fat content helps to keep the skin hydrated and soft.
- Recipe: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to clean skin after a shower. Massage gently until absorbed.
2. Makeup Remover
Coconut oil can break down makeup, including waterproof mascara, without irritating the skin.
- Recipe: Dab a small amount on a cotton pad and gently wipe over your face to remove makeup. Rinse with warm water.
3. Lip Balm
Dry, chapped lips? Coconut oil can provide long-lasting hydration.
- Recipe: Mix a teaspoon of coconut oil with a drop of peppermint oil for a cooling, hydrating lip balm.
4. Hair Mask for Deep Conditioning
Coconut oil penetrates deeply into the hair shaft, providing moisture and reducing frizz.
- Recipe: Massage warm coconut oil into your hair, leave it on for 30 minutes, then wash it out with shampoo.
5. Dandruff Treatment
Coconut oil has antifungal properties that can help treat dandruff and relieve an itchy scalp.
- Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with a few drops of tea tree oil. Massage into the scalp, leave for 20 minutes, then rinse.
6. Natural Sunscreen
Coconut oil has a natural SPF of 4-5, providing mild sun protection.
- Recipe: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to your skin before heading outdoors. Reapply as needed.
7. Body Scrub
Exfoliate and moisturize at the same time with this coconut oil body scrub.
- Recipe: Mix 1/2 cup of coconut oil with 1/2 cup of sugar or sea salt. Rub gently on your skin, then rinse off.
8. Cuticle Softener
Coconut oil helps soften and nourish dry cuticles, making them easier to manage.
- Recipe: Massage a small amount of coconut oil into your cuticles and leave it overnight.
9. Natural Deodorant
Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that can help combat odor-causing bacteria.
- Recipe: Mix 1 tablespoon of coconut oil with 1/2 tablespoon of baking soda and a drop of essential oil for a natural deodorant.
10. Soothing Razor Burn
Use coconut oil to soothe irritated skin after shaving.
- Recipe: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to the shaved area to reduce redness and irritation.
11. Anti-Aging Eye Cream
The nourishing properties of coconut oil can reduce the appearance of fine lines around the eyes.
- Recipe: Dab a small amount under your eyes at night to reduce puffiness and wrinkles.
12. Eczema and Psoriasis Relief
Coconut oil’s anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for soothing skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
- Recipe: Apply coconut oil to affected areas twice a day to relieve symptoms.
13. Massage Oil
Coconut oil makes a perfect base for massage, as it glides smoothly on the skin.
- Recipe: Mix a few drops of lavender oil with coconut oil for a relaxing massage experience.
14. Natural Toothpaste
Coconut oil can help reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth and whiten teeth.
- Recipe: Mix 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1 tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of peppermint oil. Brush as usual.
15. Stretch Mark Reducer
Coconut oil can improve skin elasticity, which helps reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
- Recipe: Massage a small amount into affected areas daily to reduce stretch marks over time.
16. Acne Treatment
Coconut oil’s antibacterial properties make it effective for treating acne.
- Recipe: Dab a small amount on acne-prone areas before bed. Use sparingly to avoid clogging pores.
17. Makeup Brush Cleaner
Coconut oil helps to remove makeup residue from brushes while conditioning the bristles.
- Recipe: Mix equal parts coconut oil and castile soap, swirl your brushes, rinse, and let them dry.
18. Sunburn Relief
Coconut oil soothes and moisturizes sunburned skin, speeding up the healing process.
- Recipe: Apply a thin layer of coconut oil to sunburned skin. Repeat as needed.
19. Cracked Heel Treatment
Coconut oil softens cracked heels and helps them heal faster.
- Recipe: Rub coconut oil on your heels before bed, cover with socks, and leave overnight.
20. Hair Detangler
Coconut oil makes it easier to comb through tangled hair.
- Recipe: Apply a small amount to the ends of your hair to help smooth out tangles.
21. Teeth Whitener (Oil Pulling)
Oil pulling with coconut oil can help reduce plaque and whiten teeth.
- Recipe: Swish 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in your mouth for 10-15 minutes, then spit it out and rinse.
22. Nail Strengthener
Coconut oil strengthens nails and helps prevent them from breaking.
- Recipe: Massage a small amount into your nails and cuticles daily.
23. Relieve Itchy Bug Bites
Coconut oil reduces itching and inflammation from bug bites.
- Recipe: Apply a dab of coconut oil to the bite to reduce itching.
24. Scar Fading
Coconut oil may help reduce the appearance of scars over time.
- Recipe: Apply a small amount to scars daily to promote healing.
25. Cooking Oil Substitute
Coconut oil is great for cooking at high temperatures due to its stable structure.
- Recipe: Use coconut oil as a substitute for butter or vegetable oil in recipes.
10 Household Uses for Coconut Oil
1. Wood Polish
Coconut oil can bring shine back to wood surfaces without harsh chemicals.
- Recipe: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cloth and rub it into wood furniture for a natural polish.
2. Leather Conditioner
Keep leather items soft and shiny with a dab of coconut oil.
- Recipe: Rub a small amount onto leather shoes or bags and buff with a soft cloth.
3. Stainless Steel Cleaner
Coconut oil can remove smudges and add shine to stainless steel appliances.
- Recipe: Dab coconut oil on a cloth and polish stainless steel surfaces for a streak-free shine.
4. Remove Chewing Gum
Coconut oil can help get rid of chewing gum stuck on surfaces or hair.
- Recipe: Apply coconut oil to the gum, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently pull the gum away.
5. Dust Repellent
Using coconut oil on surfaces can help repel dust for longer.
- Recipe: Wipe a thin layer of coconut oil on surfaces prone to dust. Buff off excess with a dry cloth.
6. Squeaky Hinges Fix
Coconut oil can work as a natural lubricant for squeaky door hinges.
- Recipe: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to the hinge and move the door back and forth to distribute.
7. Remove Sticky Labels
Coconut oil can dissolve sticky residue left by labels and stickers.
- Recipe: Mix equal parts coconut oil and baking soda, apply to the sticky area, let sit, and wipe clean.
8. Rust Remover
Coconut oil helps to protect and remove rust from metal items.
- Recipe: Rub coconut oil on rusty tools, leave for a couple of hours, then wipe with a cloth.
9. Plant Leaf Polisher
Keep your indoor plants looking shiny and dust-free with coconut oil.
- Recipe: Rub a small amount of coconut oil on a cloth and wipe the leaves of your plants.
10. Natural Pest Repellent
Coconut oil can act as a barrier against ants and other pests.
- Recipe: Apply a line of coconut oil near doorways or windows where pests may enter.
Coconut oil is truly a versatile product with endless uses for both health, beauty, and household needs. Whether you’re using it as a moisturizer, cooking oil, or household cleaner, coconut oil offers a natural alternative to many conventional products.
Embrace these uses of coconut oil in your daily routine, and enjoy the benefits of this simple, effective, and multi-purpose remedy.