Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes

Summary: How good is coconut oil for skin and hair? Well, in this blog, we'll discover the many uses of coconut oil and how much it really can benefit you...

Coconut oil dominates the beauty industry as the miracle cure-all. Because it’s also touted as a natural, chemical-free superfood, we’d be surprised if you didn’t have a vat of it on your beauty shelf or in your kitchen cupboard already!

But, are you utilising this affordable, organic oil in all the ways you can…?

Make Up Remover

Coconut oil is amazing for breaking down make up, even waterproof mascara! Apply some coconut oil to a cotton pad and wipe over your makeup to remove. Repeat as necessary and then cleanse your face to get rid of any leftover specks and residual oil. Ta-da!

Coconut oil doesn’t just remove make up from your face either. You can use it to cleanse your applicators and brushes. Use a mix of two parts antibacterial soap and one part coconut oil to clean them.You should ideally clean your makeup tools every few days to help keep your skin healthy.

Toothpaste

Coconut oil is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal! It’s been argued that coconut oil can kill bacteria that cause tooth decay and promote white looking teeth. Simply mix two tablespoons of baking soda and two tablespoons of coconut oil in a small container, until it forms a paste-like consistency. You can add several drops of peppermint oil for taste here too. It's easy to create your own whitening toothpaste at home!

Alternatively, you can just massage coconut oil into your gums for ten minutes daily for a minimum of three weeks and you should see a reduction in tooth decay and plaque build-up. Or, you can gargle a spoonful of oil for several minutes as this too can help clear up germs in the mouth, making it healthier and aiding a fresher breath.

Deodorant

If you’re wanting to switch up your deodorant to a more natural deodorant because of health or eco reasons, coconut oil can be a fantastic option. It’s a great base for a deodorising formula as it can kill fungi, yeast, and bacteria.

A recipe to get you started on your homemade natural deodorant: Mix together 60 ml of baking soda, 60 ml of arrowroot powder and 4 tablespoons of room temperature coconut oil in a dish. You can add two drops of an essential oil here too for your desired aroma. Melt into an empty, clean roll-on deodorant container and away you go!

Highlighter

Want a natural highlighter to use under your makeup? Take a touch of coconut oil and slide a thin layer on your cheekbones before applying foundation. This is one of the simplest and natural hints to get instantly dewy looking skin on your cheeks!

Body Scrub

Is there anything this oil can’t do? Mix together 120ml of coconut oil with a handful of coarse salt or ground coffee. Scrub with a loofah or body buffer and rinse!

DIY Hair Mask

Coconut oil works wonders for dry, damaged, and/or frizzy hair. You simply need to massage it into your scalp and cover your hair strands from root to tip. Keep the hair wrapped in a towel for a minimum of 15 minutes, or leave in your DIY hair mask as you sleep overnight for an even deeper condition. Then, wash the hair with a gentle sulphate and paraben-free shampoo and conditioner.

Suffer from dandruff? Really massage a light amount of coconut oil into the scalp and sleep in it before washing thoroughly the next morning. The massage will also help stimulate the hair follicles (where the root of your hair grows from) and promote new hair growth!

Shaving Cream

When it comes to shaving your legs or armpits (if that’s what you choose to do), using a razor over a layer of coconut oil will help trap the moisture and leave your skin feeling smooth and silky!

Cuticle Oil

Remedy cracked cuticles with coconut oil, right at the base of nails. Keeping your cuticles moist like this will help preserve your manicure too!

Lip Balm

Coconut oil is semi-solid when at room temperature making it a perfect balm for chapped lips. Deeply moisturising and naturally nourishing, smooth over your sore lips regularly throughout the day.

Insect Repellant

Looking for a natural way of repelling flies, mosquitos, gnats, bees, and wasps? Mix a tablespoon of coconut oil, with a couple of drops of each of the essential oils tea tree, peppermint, and rosemary. Apply all over the body for a 100% safe and organic repelling effect.

Folliculitis Fighter

Folliculitis appears as tiny red, inflamed spots on areas other than your face and is often mistaken for acne. These are, in fact, your hair follicles becoming irritated and producing pustules, that look very similar to pimples or whiteheads. 100% coconut oil is an excellent natural moisturiser, whilst also having antibacterial properties, and will help soothe the irritated area of skin. 

Hair Protectant

If you spend a lot of time in chlorine or sea water, coat the vulnerable ends of your hair in coconut oil before you submerge to protect it and keep it hydrated. Your hair will dry smoother too.

Eyelash Growth Serum

The fatty acids in coconut oil help stimulate hair growth and can naturally lengthen lashes. Mix up a tablespoon of coconut oil and a drop of each essential oils lavender and lemon, and use a completely clean mascara wand to apply. Dab away any excess moisture with a tissue or cotton pad.

Final thoughts

The uses of coconut oil are seemingly unlimited. Coconut oil is an ethical, vegan, affordable, natural, and brilliant addition to any kitchen or beauty cupboard.