Coconut oil has been making waves in the beauty and health industry for its incredible benefits, but it may not be right for everyone. You’ve probably heard of the amazing moisturizing powers of coconut oil or how great it can make your hair look, but like with anything there are pros and cons to using this product on your skin.
In this post we'll dive into all that coconut oil has to offer - good and bad - so you can decide if it is something you want to include in your beauty routine
Is coconut oil good for your skin?
Coconut oil has been heralded as a miracle product for all manner of ailments, and the skin is no exception. Not only does it provide a heavenly scent of tropical paradise, but coconut oil also boasts antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin. It serves as a natural, chemical-free alternative to traditional lotions and creams, making it an appealing option for those looking for a more environmentally friendly approach to skincare.
However, there’s a big con: depending on your skin type, coconut oil can be highly comedogenic, which is a fancy way of saying that it can clog your pores faster than you can say "coconutty". This can lead to breakouts, blackheads, and other blemishes in people with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin
Pros & Cons of using coconut oil for face
Pros
- Coconut oil has naturally hydrating properties that help soothe and moisturize dry, irritated skin.
- Reduces the appearance of wrinkles and other signs of aging.
- It can help speed up the healing process for minor cuts, scrapes, and burns due to its anti-bacterial properties.
- The antioxidants in coconut oil can also help reduce inflammation and swelling
Cons
- Coconut oil for skin can be highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores and cause breakouts in some people with more sensitive skin.
- Some people may experience an allergic reaction to coconut oil, resulting in a rash or hives on their skin.
- If you have pre-existing skin conditions such as eczema or dermatitis, the use of coconut oil could potentially worsen these issues.
Ingredients specifications
Clean
Coconut oil is typically made by extracting the oils from the meat of mature coconuts, so it’s labeled as a clean ingredient.
Vegan
Since the oil comes from coconuts it’s considered vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
Pregnancy safe
Topical use of coconut oil is safe during pregnancy. However, bear in mind that, while expecting, you may face skincare concerns like hormonal acne and dermatitis, which are conditions that coconut oil can worsen. Always consult with your doctor before including coconut oil in your skincare routine
Breastfeeding safe
Coconut oil is breastfeeding-safe since it doesn’t penetrate the bloodstream or transfer to breast milk. However, always consult with your doctor before including coconut oil in your skincare routine
Active ingredient
As a consequence of the benefits of coconut oil for skin, the ingredient is used as an active ingredient in many skincare and hair care products
Comedogenic
Coconut oil for skin care can be highly comedogenic, which means it can clog pores and cause or worsen breakouts in people with oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. In fact, it has a rate of 4 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale.
EWG (Environment Working Group) Score
Coconut oil for skin has a score of 1 on the EWG scale. This means that the ingredient is not toxic and has a low probability of causing an allergic reaction.
CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Rating: A
The CIR rated coconut oil for skin with an A, meaning that it’s safe to use in skincare and cosmetic products.
PRECAUTIONS: Things to know before using this ingredient
When to use coconut oil for skin care?
Coconut oil can be used in both morning and nighttime routines. However, always read the manufacturer instructions to check when and how to use a product that contains coconut oil
What skin type is coconut oil good for?
Coconut oil is recommended for those with dry skin. Since it’s highly comedogenic, it’s not advisable to use coconut oil if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Also, if you have overly sensitive skin or suffer from dermatitis or eczema, it’s also not recommended to use this ingredient.
What you can’t mix with coconut oil?
Coconut oil can be safely mixed with other skincare ingredients. Nonetheless, we recommend that you don’t mix ingredients at home, since cocktailing by yourself can cause irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions when done wrong. Instead, always opt for formulated products with the ingredient.
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FAQ’s
What is coconut oil good for?
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in skin care products, as it is known to be nourishing and moisturizing. It can help to soothe dry or inflamed skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect the skin from environmental damage.
Will coconut oil clog pores?
The answer is, it depends. Coconut oil is considered to be comedogenic, which means it has a tendency to clog pores. However, not everyone's skin is the same and some people may have skin that tolerates coconut oil better than others. In general, coconut oil won’t clog dry skin, but it will wreak havoc on oily, combination, and acne-prone skin.
Tips & Tricks to include coconut oil in your skincare routine
- Always do a patch test before applying a product with coconut oil directly to your face
- Use it as a moisturizing lotion for the face and body
- You can even use the oil to hydrate your hair and reduce frizz
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