9 Ways Coconut Oil Benefits Skin and Hair

While it may still surprise most, some people are beginning to realize that aside from kitchen counters, coconut oil definitely deserves a spot in bathroom shelves and bedroom vanities as well. You’ve probably heard of all the health benefits coconut oil can do for your body—improves digestion, fights infection and increases metabolism, just to name a few—but exactly what about coconut oil makes it just as beneficial for your skin and hair?

“Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants that help prevent aging and damage to our skin and hair. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help keep skin healthy and fight skin allergies and yeast infections that may be responsible for rashes, dermatitis and thinning hair,” says New York-based beauty expert and plastic surgeon Dr. Monica Tadros.

Coconut oil is the most abundant source of lauric acid, a fatty acid known for its antimicrobial, moisturizing, and hormone-balancing properties. Aside from its anti-aging and skin-healing abilities, it also stimulates the production of collagen, and its vitamin E content protects the skin from sun damage. Dr. Tadros also adds that because of its moisturizing effect, dry and combination skin types would greatly benefit from its use. “This is because its hydrating moisture directly treats dry skin and indirectly suppresses overactive oil-producing glands.” However, if you have oily skin, Dr. Tadros recommends using coconut oil as a mask application and washing off with a gentle cleanser.

When it comes to hair, using coconut oil helps maintain moisture and prevent protein loss from combing damage. That’s great news if you’ve been plagued by dry, itchy scalp, dandruff, hair loss and even frizz. All that fatty acids goodness also make it perfect for nourishing chapped lips, dry cuticles and brittle nails.

Ready to give this wonder oil a try? Let us help! We made a list of the best ways you can include coconut oil in your skin and hair care regimen!

1. Mama Mio The Tummy Rub Butter (4.1 fl. oz.)

Recommended Retail Price: $34.00 Current price: $13.60

If you’ve never had stretch marks before, chances are, pregnancy will give it to you. Luckily, The Tummy Rub Butter's coconut and argan oils enhance your skin’s elasticity and boost hydration, while its rosehip and olive oils keep your skin healthy and soft.

2. Eminence Organic Skin Care Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer 2 fl. oz

$75.00

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like coconut oil and swiss green apple stem cells and packed with vitamins C and E, this organic moisturizer does it all—from hydrating skin and balancing pH levels to toning and strengthening your skin.

3. Briogeo Farewell Frizz™ Rosarco Milk Leave-In Conditioner 5 oz

$25.00

It’s made with vitamin E, rosehip, argan and coconut oils, so how can you go wrong? Spray generously, and you’ll be breathing new life to dull and damaged hair in no time. Its potent mix of essential oils keep hair soft and moisturized, while its antioxidants protect hair from damage and breakage.

5. Epicuren Discovery Kukui Coconut After Bath Body Moisturizer 8oz

$53.14

An indulgent formula featuring a combination of amino acids and shea butter to diminish dryness and lock in moisture and kukui nut and coconut to lend a tropical-inspired aroma, this body lotion will leave your skin looking younger, healthier and more radiant.

6. The Organic Pharmacy Self Tan (100 ml.)

$69.00

While a good tan gives your skin a healthy glow, harmful UV rays do the opposite. The Organic Pharmacy's Self Tan is the perfect alternative: it leaves your skin looking naturally sun-kissed, healthy and supple.

7. AGENT NATEUR uni(sex) Ns Deodorant

$24.00

Not only will this natural deodorant keep you smelling fresh, it’s also specially formulated with essential oils and antioxidants to soothe, hydrate and protect your sensitive skin.

8. Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk Bath Soak (8 oz.)

$22.00

This milk bath soap is all you’ll ever need after a long and stressful day. Its calming and soothing formula features hydrating, moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.

9. RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream (2.5 oz.)

$29.00

Made with pure coconut oil, this multitasking cream delivers skin-nourishing results however you use it—from removing makeup to moisturizing elbows and knees! It’s packed with antioxidants and features antifungal and antimicrobial properties. (Our reviews show just how much shoppers love it!)