Give Your Skin A Glow That It Deserves
Coconut oil has so many different uses, but in this article
we’ll explore the best coconut oils specifically for your skin.
Finding the best coconut oil for skin care (both face and body) can be a bit of a chore these days simply because there’s so many varieties of coconut oil around to choose from.
The problem lies in that some coconut oil products just won’t be right for your type of skin. I know that there’s natural, raw coconut oil that might be OK for your skin, but there are also other skin care products with coconut oil ingredients which may be harmful for your skin type.
So which one do you choose?
- Do you choose the natural 100% coconut oil in tubs?
- Or is it best to choose specific skin care products with coconut oil in as a percentage of the ingredients?
When looking after your skin you have to use a bit of the ‘pot luck’ approach when it comes to choosing the right skin care products, as you just don’t really know how your skin is going to react to that specific ingredient/combination of ingredients.
So with all this in mind, in this post we’ll discuss:
- What exactly is coconut oil
- Why it’s beneficial to skin care
- 9 ways you can use coconut oil for your skin
… and finally finishing on
- The 7 best coconut oils for skin, by skin type
What Exactly is Coconut Oil?
My first memory of coconuts was when I was a little girl going to the annual Town Moore (Fair) where you used to win a coconut for hook-the-duck or knocking down objects with bean bags from afar.
I used to be ‘thrilled’ to win a coconut. I can remember when we got home my dad would puncture a whole in the top of the coconut for the milk to pour out. Then he would smash it up and we would eat the coconut right off the ‘skin’.
The only problem was that I didn’t like them, I hated the taste of coconut!
But I still used to try them once a year in the hope that I might actually grow to like it.
I didn’t.
And who knew that xxx amount of years later, coconut oil would be such a big deal when it comes to health and skin care. It’s come a long way from only seeing them at the annual Town Moore, that’s for sure!
So what exactly is the coconut oil that we purchase over-the-counter in jars?
In a nutshell, it’s the oily liquid which is held in the meat of the coconut. You know, the actual white stuff that you eat.
This oily liquid is extracted through a drying out and shredding process and a cold expeller-press is then used to collect the oil.
What Does Coconut Oil Contain?
Once of the great benefits of coconut oil, as opposed to other oils such as olive oil, is that it doesn’t split and break down easily. This is because it contains lauric acid [Source] which prevents it from turning rancid.
For example, if you use coconut oil when cooking biscuits or a cake, they will have a longer shelf-life compared to baked goods made with butter or other fats.
Coconut oil also contains an array of saturated fats which help fight off bacteria, fungi and parasites within the oil.
Now that we know coconut is robust and contains a variety of saturated fats to ward off bacteria and the like, let’s see exactly what it does for our skin.
Benefits of Coconut Oil For Your Skin
Today you’ll find literally dozens of moisturizers and skin care creams with some form of coconut oil ingredient in them.
There are several reasons for this:
- It contains Vitamin E & K
- It’s all natural, no chemicals needed
- Full of fatty acids
- Lasts a long time
- Its multi-purpose
Vitamin’s E & K
Vitamin E is normally associated with skin care to help heal damaged skin and minimizing fine lines, wrinkles, scars and stretch marks.
However there is only a very minimal amount of vitamin E in coconut oil.
Vitamin K is associated to skin care because of it helps reduce inflammation, swelling and redness. So for example, say you cut or bruise your skin, then you should put vitamin K rich creams or serums onto the effected areas.
However again, there is only a very minimal amount of vitamin K in coconut oil.
So if you hear that coconut oil is full of vitamins and minerals, then you are more than likely mislead [Source].
The fact that there are some forms of these amazing vitamins in the oil is good, but don’t bank on these vitamins alone in the oil to work wonders on your wrinkles or any bruises.
A Natural Product
Coconut oil comes straight from organic coconuts (or so it should do) and therefore it makes it a natural product in that particular state.
It’s only when the pure coconut oil gets included with other ingredients that it may lose it’s ‘all-natural’ trade-mark.
Of course, it could be blended with other natural ingredients so it will still stay natural, but it can also be blended with chemicals or preservatives, so you’ll have to read the ingredients of the skin care products you buy to make sure you know exactly what your purchasing and rubbing into your skin.
Fatty Acids
As briefly mentioned earlier above, coconut oil is full of fatty acids and this is what it should be best known for. In fact, coconut oil is made up of 90% of these fatty acids [Source].
Fatty acids in the oil make it an amazing moisturizer by hydrating your skin with natural, organic fats.
Long Lasting
Because of the high amount of saturated fat, it makes the oil have a very long shelf-life of up to two years.
Multi Purpose
Yes we know that coconut oil is multi-purpose in the fact that you can cook with it and so on, but it’s actually a multi-purpose everyday skin care product in itself.
For example, because the oil is approximately 90% saturated fat, it helps your skin by:
- Everyday moisturizer
- Kills harmful micro-organisms on the skin [Source]
- Helps fight skin infections (including acne)
- Helps relieve very dry skin including eczema and psoriasis.
In addition to this, coconut oil is versatile in that you can use it from head-to-toe. So you can use it as a body moisturizer as well as a facial and anti-aging skin care product.
It also works extremely well on very dry areas of your body such as elbows and feet.
9 Ways You Can Use Coconut Oil for Your Skin
Now that we’ve looked into the exact ingredients of natural coconut oil from organic coconuts, let’s see how you can use it for skin care purposes:
1) Makeup Remover
Because of the fatty acids in the coconut oil, it makes a fantastic makeup remover.
You can either put some on the tips of your fingers and gently rub into your face (even closed eyes) or put some on a cotton wool pad and rub in that way. Swipe off the excess with another clean cotton wool pad and then wash the remainder off with luke warm water and a wet flannel.
This not only breaks down and slews off your makeup, you have also just hydrated your skin at the same time.
2) Body Butter
No need for expensive body moisturizers or body butters. After every shower or bath, simply rub the oil all over your body paying extra attention to your elbows and feet – specially heels.
However, if you rely heavily on having a certain smell/scent from your body moisturizers, maybe coconut oil is not the best solution in this case.
3) Anti-Wrinkle Cream
Even though coconut oil isn’t as rich in skin care vitamins E & K as first thought, it’s still a great anti-wrinkle serum because of its deep oily hydrating ingredients.
You can use it in conjunction with other anti-wrinkle products as part of your skin care regimen.
Dab it around your eyes before going to bed to help relax the skin around your eye area and let it sink in while you read or go to sleep.
5) Face Mask
You can use coconut oil as part of a face mask recipe DIY style.
Once a week why not pamper yourself with a face mask made from your favorite ingredients.
I’ve found a great article which outlines nine different face mask recipes using coconut oil as one the ingredients:
6) Lip Scrub & Balm
Lip Scrub:
Do you suffer from very dry lips? Here’s an easy and cheap way to make a lip scrub to get rid of the dead skin.
- Coconut oil
- Brown sugar
- Honey
Play around with the measurements until you get the consistency you like the best. Keep it in a small container for later use.
Simply rub into your lips until all the dead skin has been slewed away. Wash off with a warm damp cloth.
Lip Balm:
Now you have dry skin free lips, you want to keep them plump and hydrated.
Try this DIY balm.
Two tablespoons each of:
- Coconut Oil
- Cocoa Butter
- Beeswax
Mix together in a pot and add this pot (with the ingredients in) to a pan with only two inches of water in it. You want the bottom of the ingredients pot submerged in water.
Heat the pan on a medium heat until the ingredients melt whilst stirring occasionally.
Quickly remove from heat and pour the melted mixture into very small containers. Add a couple of drops of cinnamon (or whatever your taste preference) essential oil to each container and stir.
Put lids on the containers and refrigerate.
Once cooled and solidified, you now have your own (made-to-taste) lip balm.
7) Hand Moisturizer
Get into a morning and nightly routine of applying coconut oil as a hand moisturizer.
It can be a bit greasy until it sinks in, so I tend to rub mine in just before I go to sleep.
8) Shaving Balm
No need for fancy or expensive shaving creams now.
Simply smooth some coconut oil over your legs and underarms ready for your wet shave.
Once finished shaving, you can reapply some fresh coconut oil to moisturize and hydrate your legs.
9) Relieve Skin Conditions
Because it’s made up of 90% of fatty acids, which the major one being lauric acid, it aids problematic skin really well. This is because these combined saturated fats help fight off bacteria, fungi and parasites.
So if you have problem skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, then these ‘bacteria fighting’ ingredients help to some extent to relieve these symptoms.
Other things you can do with coconut oil for skin:
- Use it as a massage oil
- Use it as a body scrub
- Nourish dry, cracked cuticles
- Use in feet for very dry cracked heels.
Best Coconut Oil for Skin Care – Reviews 2022
Coco & Co. Organic Pure Coconut Oil
For women who are looking for a coconut beauty product which is 100% pure.
Do you care about beauty products being 100% pure, 100% vegan and gluten & cruelty free?
This claims to be the purest coconut oil specifically made with beauty in mind.
Coco & Co. have put together this amazing product which is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids which helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, stretch marks and blemishes.
It’s 100% raw, natural virgin coconut oil and is non-greasy and odor free. They only use the freshest coconuts, no more than three days old, to make this pure and amazing skin moisturizer.
- Only a little bit needs to be used to be effective.
- Gives a lovely soft sheen to hair.
- Extremely effective for very dry skin.
- Some sensitive skin types may find this harsh.
- Quite small for the price.
Natural Coconut Cream Skin Softening Body Butter
Are you after a cream with a specific purpose?
Are you trying to reduce the appearance of stretch marks or scars, and/or are you looking to tighten your skin to reduce fine lines and wrinkles?
All body moisturizer creams aim to set themselves apart from their rivals, and this cream is doing an exceedingly good job at that.
This is a lovely soft, body butter cream for women to solve a number of skin-related issues. It’s a great purchase if you want to reduce any stretch marks, scars or wrinkles that you have.
This deep body butter boasts that it’s made up of natural oils such as coconut oil, avocado, jojoba and rosehip oils. These are then complimented with sweet orange extract giving you a vitamin-rich cream of A B C & E.
While this is not a whole natural coconut oil cream, because it has an abundance of other ingredients, it’s specifically made this way to give you the full benefits of a deep, soft body butter to firm and tighten your skin.
- Therapeutic and fast absorbing.
- Includes a combination of oils & butter ingredients.
- Non-greasy and leaves your skin feeling smooth.
- Does not smell like coconut, more like a ‘yogurt’ smell.
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin.
OKAY Coconut Oil For Hair & Skin
Need something more than a hair conditioner to manage your problem hair?
This coconut oil is amazing for both hair and skin. It claims to manage all hair types and moisturizes dry itchy scalps.
It’s another 100% pure coconut oil by OKAY who have created this product specifically for your skin and hair, with emphasis on controlling problem hair and itchy scalp.
For hair, you first have to melt some of the coconut oil – you can do this by putting some in the palm of your warm hand – and then apply it to your hair from root to tips.
I presume you leave it on for a few minutes before washing it off (it doesn’t give in-depth instructions).
It’s also great for daily general moisturizing.
- Has a pleasant smell.
- Does not crystallize if it melts and then re-solidifies.
- Gives both skin and hair a healthy glow.
- The container is quite small for the money.
- Very solid, may have to use a knife to get the hardened oil out.
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin
Want something which easily fits into your lifestyle?
This is a paleo, keto and gluten-free coconut oil used for cooking, as well as an amazing skin and hair care treatment.
Viva have produced an amazing all-round, fully versatile coconut oil which is made from fresh, organic coconuts.
It can be used in the kitchen for cooking, frying or even used as an alternative to margarine and spreads.
For beauty, you can use it as a deep hair conditioning treatment and as a daily moisturizer.
- USDA-Certified organic & non-GMO.
- Gluten free.
- Excellent for very dry skin and eczema.
- Container/packaging is cheap and customers have stated that it had leaked upon arrival.
- Update: The container has been redesigned and is now much sturdier!
Shea Moisture 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
Shea is a well-known brand you can trust within the skincare industry.
This is a moisturizer that lasts all day long.
Shea really has pulled out all of the stops with this product. It’s a very effective moisturizer which can be used literally from head-to-to; just as the label applies.
Use it in the summer to moisten and hydrate your sun-kissed skin and also use it in the winter to help repair cracked skin.
It’s also very effective on very dry, and difficult to hydrate, areas such as elbows, knees, heels and knuckles.
- Only a little bit is needed as it spreads well.
- Excellent for very dry skin all year round.
- The container has an extra barrier to prevent leakage when shipping.
- Melts easy in the summer, best to keep in fridge.
Palmer’s Coconut Oil With Vitamin E
Palmer’s is another well-known brand within the skincare industry.
This is a body lotion which includes coconut oil as part of its formula.
Palmer’s places emphasis in that it includes Vitamin E which is known to maintain a healthy skin.
From the coconut, this body lotion includes coconut milk, coconut water and coconut oil.
It’s dermatology tested and has no artificial colorants.
- Natural, raw coconut-based body lotion.
- Includes skin protection Vitamin E and sweet almond oil.
- Convenient pump action bottle.
- Does not have that natural, strong coconut smell.
- It’s a body lotion, best not to use on face.
Coconut Monoi Luminous Hydration Facial Oil
Need an oil specifically for your face?
Palmer’s has you covered with their skin therapy facial oil.
This oil is designed to help maintain optimal moisture levels on your facial skin so it’s neither too greasy nor too dry.
The formula includes Fair Trade extra virgin coconut oil along with nine other pure oils to boost hydration and revitalize the skin.
It also includes Vitamin E and this product is purely oil based and has no artificial ingredients.
- Comes with a handy dropper (pipette).
- Mild, mellow scent.
- 24 hour hydration.
- Couldn’t actually find any!
Skin Therapy Moisturizing Body Oil with Vitamin E
And yet another coconut oil from Palmer’s.
This particular oil is for your body and for very specific purposes.
First of all, the ingredients include coconut butter for moisture and Argan oil to condition and soften the skin. It then has Vitamin E and an array of other ingredients to help hydrate the skin and improve any imperfections.
Palmer’s seem to have created this oil specifically for women to help minimize wrinkles, stretch marks, scars, uneven skin tone and dry, damaged skin.
It’s a whole skin rejuvenation oil in one bottle!
- Subtle rosehip scent.
- A little bit goes a long way.
- Inexpensive and good value for money.
- If you’re not a fan of rose scent, then this may not be for you.
- May not be suitable for very sensitive skin.
Majestic Pure Fractioned Coconut Oil
Most pure coconut oils come in a solid form which puts some people off – this one is not solid.
If you love aromatherapy and massage oils, then you’ll love this one.
What exactly does ‘fractioned’ mean? Well, Majestic have removed all of the long chain triglycerides, therefore leaving mainly the medium chain triglycerides, making this a great MCT oil.
Because of this, this oil does not become solid like most coconut oils whilst also keeping it’s amazing properties.
Another benefit of this oil being MCT (liquid, not solid), is that it acts as a fantastic massage oil and can be blended with other aromatherapy oils.
- Is odorless.
- Non-greasy.
- Comes with a handy pump.
- Can have a yellow tint to it, which might be a putt-off (but this is safe and normal).
- The pump pumps out too much oil.
Pure Body Naturals Fractionated Coconut Oil
Another fractioned coconut oil making this an easy spreadable oil.
This is an all-rounder oil which can be used on skin, hair and nails.
Pure Body Naturals has created this non-greasy, hypoallergenic and chemical-free skincare oil. They have also partnered with many artisan distillers around the world to bring safe and tested carrier oils to this specific product.
Fractioned coconut oil is especially great for carrier oil & aromatherapy, DIY cosmetics, natural makeup remover and an amazing non-greasy skin moisturizer.
- A very versatile product.
- Convenient pump provides the ideal dosage.
- Unscented, so it won’t offend those with sensitive smell.
- Note that the oil may not be 100% clear.
Clear Fractionated Coconut Oil Value Bulk Size
Buy in bulk and save money.
Cold pressed oil for dry skin and an aromatherapy carrier oil.
Premium Nature has done an excellent, and very popular, job by creating this 100% pure and natural oil. They say that it even suits the most sensitive skin types.
It’s an amazing and very effective face moisturizer (for sensitive skin) and makeup remover.
If you’re into aromatherapy, this one gallon bulk purchase is a very cost-effective way to use as a carrier oil as it has a long shelf life and doesn’t become solid.
- Odorless / no smell.
- colorless so it doesn’t stain.
- Provides best natural skincare.
- The pump pumps out too much oil.
What Does All This Mean?
Which Coconut Oil is the Overall Best?
I know that this is the million dollar question but I think that you’ll appreciate, now having read the above reviews for each coconut oil, that not one particular product can be recommended as the overall best.
I personally think that the 100% natural, organic coconut oil is the best because, well, it’s 100% natural but its also very versatile.
But that’s just my personal opinion.
If you need a deep moisturizer that makes your skin feel soft, then I would probably go for the Natural Coconut Cream Skin Softening Body Butter.
On the other hand, if you wanted a coconut oil which will help with deep facial hydration to help reduce wrinkles, then the most obvious would be the Coconut Monoi Luminous Hydration Facial Oil.
So I would probably buy both of the above as well – because they target different areas of my skin for different purposes.
I’m sure you get my drift and I’m sure that this is pretty obvious to you anyway from the way I have outlined featured the above coconut oils.
At the end of the day it’s all about testing different products out to see which ones suit your skin the best.
