You would be amazed at how many beauty products rely on coconut oil as their leading ingredient. You’ll find it in your body lotions, shaving creams, conditioners, and even perfumes. It’s one of the most popular natural ingredients, and it’s used for many beauty hacks much like castor oil and rosemary oil are.
While you’re likely already using coconut oil within your beauty routine to moisturize your body, nourish dry hair, and maybe even remove eye makeup—we bet you’re missing out on a ton of coconut oil beauty hacks that are known tricks of the trade. A small jar of virgin coconut oil can go a long way in your wellness and skincare routines, so read on for the best ways to incorporate this multipurpose ingredient and reap all of its beauty benefits.
1. Waterproof Makeup Remover
This is one of the most common ways to use coconut oil in your beauty routine. Instead of shelling out money for an oil cleanser or a cleansing balm that still requires you to scrub at your skin when removing waterproof makeup, let coconut oil do the trick. All you need is a teaspoon of coconut oil to break down makeup like waterproof mascara and waterproof eyeliner. Rub the coconut oil onto the surface of your skin, then wash with warm water and follow up with your face cleanser.
2. Eczema Healer
Oils can do wonders for irritated, dry skin because they’re full of essential fatty acids and can help repair your skin barrier. If you suffer from eczema and struggle to find a product that is not only gentle enough on skin but also has the hydrating power to heal a compromised complexion, give organic coconut oil a try. And don’t be afraid to slather it on before bed—you might find that you wake up with smooth, healthy-looking skin that feels soothed and comfortable.
3. Cuticle Softener
Dry cuticles? Apply a small amount of coconut oil on each of your cuticles. Not only will it leave the skin softer, but the essential oils will strengthen your nails too.
4. Oil Pulling for Healthier Teeth
Everyone likes to call it oil pulling, but this practice is basically swishing coconut oil around your mouth. Since coconut oil has antibacterial properties, it’s said to prevent cavities, banish bad breath, and whiten your teeth. Use it like a mouth wash and swish it around for about 10 minutes. But don’t spit in the sink! Spit out the oil in the trash so as not to clog your plumbing.
5. Repairing Lip Balm
What makes a good lip balm? Long-lasting hydration. Most lip balms have coconut oil and vitamin E already in them to hydrate your lips—so instead of buying a pricey tube that will inevitably get lost at the bottom of your purse, buy a cost-effective jar of coconut oil and a travel lip gloss tube to store it in. You can even add sugar crystals to create a DIY lip scrub that will help exfoliate dead skin.
6. Nourishing Hair Mask
Don’t worry, your hair won’t become oily from using coconut oil—in fact, most of your hair care products probably already have the ingredient in them anyway. Before showering, spend some time working coconut oil through your hair from mid-length to ends. Leave it in for a good 20 minutes (pop on a shower cap if you’re worried about the mess) before hopping into the shower to shampoo. Coconut oil acts as a deep conditioner and hair mask to repair split ends, frizz, soothe dandruff patches, and provide hair with essential oils for a healthy scalp and soft strands.
7. Eyebrow Conditioner
Eyebrow hair growth can be a pesky thing to work on in the name of beauty. While we love castor oil, coconut oil is just as effective at hydrating eyebrow hairs and helping them grow. It’s a must-use ingredient if your eyebrow hairs are a bit coarse and you’re looking to soften them. A little dab on your eyebrows with a spoolie is all you need.
8. DIY Body Scrub
Start your body care routine off right by exfoliating to maximize the strength of your moisturizer. For the softest and healthiest skin of your dreams, mix coconut oil with sugar crystals for a DIY moisturizing body scrub.
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