Coconut oil: we’ve stocked it in our pantries for all kinds of culinary uses; we’ve put it to work to improve our hair; we’ve used it for all kinds of crazy household uses. So when we decided to continue pushing the limits of what the incredible ingredient can do, there was really only one area left to explore: skin care! The properties that make this increasingly-popular oil such a good addition to our diets and our hair care make it a vital component to healthy, happy skin. Yes, that means using it as a body lotion, but it also means using it as SO much more! We’ve gathered up our 15 favorite ways to use coconut oil in our skin care routines. Check them out and see why you need this oil in your beauty bag, STAT.
- Deodorant
Did you know that coconut oil is not only naturally soothing, it’s a natural deodorizer? It totally is! When combined with baking soda and essential oils, you can make your own all-natural deodorant without worrying about stink or irritating your delicate underarm skin. - Insect Repellant
Just as many people turn to natural deodorants to avoid mystery compounds, so too do people avoid insect repellants due to fears of artificial ingredients. If you fall into this camp, don’t surrender to the bites— use coconut oil! Mix eight ounces of it with citronella, clove, or eucalyptus essential oils, and ward off those bugs the natural way.
- Shaving Cream
Shaving cream is one of the products we go through way too quickly while spending way too much for it. No more— just use coconut oil instead! It’s super moisturizing and helps prevent both razor burn and ingrown hairs. - Sunburn Soother
Avoid the razor burn but scorched by the sun? Soothe it with coconut oil! Its moisturizing abilities help to reduce the redness and heal your skin faster.
- Night Cream And Moisturizer
The moisturizing powers of coconut oil make it an ideal substitute for a restorative night cream, or even just a boost to your regular moisturizer that won’t add extra acne-causing oils. When combined with sunscreen, coconut oil also makes a fantastic daytime moisturizer, too! - Face Wash
Your entire routine facial care routine can be coconut oil if you want! Prevention recommends the “double-cleansing” method: rub or massage the coconut oil into your face and neck in a circular motion for its antibacterial and antifungal benefits, then use your regular cleanser to wash off any residue.
- Pedicure Prepper
Do you have special lotions or creams just for your feet? A lot of us do— but why?! There’s no need – even if we really want to pamper ourselves with a pedicure – when we have coconut oil on our side! It even has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can help fight foot fungus and toenail infections. - Cuticle Oil
Since it’s great for pedicures, it makes sense that coconut oil is also a fantastic ingredient for DIY manicures! Use it as a cuticle oil to kill germs and make your cuticles easier to push . . .
- Hand Lotion
. . . or as a nice hand lotion that’ll heal dry skin like that. Even rubbing a little bit of extra coconut oil into your hands as your cooking with it can be enough to heal hands zapped by hard labor or washing dishes. - Lip Balm
The only part of our body that might get as dry as our hands sometimes? Our lips! Coconut oil makes an effective – and tasty! – natural lip balm that repairs cracked or chapped lips . . .
- Cold Sore Treatment
. . . and even helps heal cold sores! Coconut oil’s fatty acids contain antimicrobial properties that can help protect you from and heal the infections that cause the unsightly sores. Plus, it’ll make the healing process more comfortable and reduce scarring. - Diaper Balm
Don’t keep the healing properties of coconut oil to yourself! Use it to help even the youngest members of your family. Just a teaspoon can help ease the pain of diaper rashes.
- Massage Oil
Using coconut oil will make you feel indulged anyway, so go all the way and use it to augment another soothing experience. Most massage oils feature coconut oil as a base, so using it straight will give you the ultimate experience. - Cheekbone Highlighter
Want a truly natural glow but have skin that’s a little lackluster? Don’t buy blusher or bronzer; just swipe on some coconut oil! It can go on top of your regular foundation but still adds some glow, making it a fantastic natural makeup . . .
- Makeup Remover
. . . or makeup remover! Coconut oil is a great gentle eye makeup remover, and it works even on waterproof products.
We’re starting to think that coconut oil is the only beauty product we’re ever going to need— especially when we consider that there are more uses where these ones came from! Check out these guides from Dr. Axe and Prevention to find more ways you can put coconut oil to work for your skin. Did any of these uses surprise you? Any other ways you use it in your skin care routine?