Winter air wreaks havoc on skin this time of year, and one of the best ways to soothe dry, itchy skin is with facial oils. And one of our favorite oils is, of course, coconut oil. Yep, whatever the problem, we're still fans of slapping a li’l bit of coconut oil on it! Making a coconut oil face mask provides a heavy-duty dose of moisture to leave even the driest skin smooth and baby soft.
Is It Okay To Put Coconut Oil On My Face?
Yes, it’s okay to put coconut oil on your face! Some folks can’t stop raving about coconut oil, but others experience breakouts and clogged pores.
So if you’re acne-prone or have oily skin, then proceed with caution. If you don’t experience clogged pores, coconut oil face masks have lots of lovely benefits for your skin!
Will coconut oil clog pores?
As with anything, there isn't a one size fits all scenario, so everyone’s experience may vary. But coconut oil is both comedogenic and acnegenic, which means it can clog pores and make acne worse.
Many skincare sources tout the benefits of fractionated coconut oil for skin care. This type remains in the liquid form, so it is easier to apply and absorbs quickly. This also seems to reduce the oil’s comedogenic properties. Additionally, some beauty experts have explained that mixing coconut oil with other skin products provides other components that make it less likely to clog pores.
Sensitive skin types, or those who suffer from blackheads or acne, are more likely to have problems with coconut oil, especially on the face. Spot test and see how it feels. If your skin loves coconut oil, congrats! If coconut oil feels too heavy, try lightweight grapeseed oil or hemp seed oil, the least comedogenic oils.
Coconut Oil Face Mask Benefits
Conditions and softens dry skin
Coconut oil absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling super soft. Its abundant natural fats moisturize, while the lauric acid it contains protects skin and locks in hydration [source]. Due to its superior emollient properties, it has been shown to work effectively on all skin types, including super dry skin [source]. Use it for chapped lips, dry skin, or softening the skin before shaving.
Cleanses skin
Because coconut oil cleanses and moisturizes at the same time, it’s often used in oil cleansing or as a makeup remover. A little goes a long way because it can end up feeling greasy.
Reduces inflammation
Coconut oil assists with inflammatory skin disease by improving the skin’s barrier function and inhibiting some of the body’s inflammatory messengers [source]. It also locks in the moisture and benefits from other skincare ingredients. A recent study even found that virgin coconut oil soothed eczema better than mineral oil in children with atopic dermatitis [source].
Treats acne
The fatty acids in coconut oil help prevent fungal and bacterial infections. In fact, the lauric acid making up half of the fat in coconut oil [source] is effective against one of the most common acne bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes, according to some research [source].
Anti-aging
Coconut oil’s antioxidant properties also help prevent premature aging. It protects against the damage from UV radiation. The natural antioxidants and vitamins A and E contained in coconut oil also help reduce your skin’s oxidative stress by fighting free radicals [source].
DIY Coconut Oil Face Mask Recipes for Different Skin Issues
1. Brighten skin with yogurt & coconut oil
The gentle alpha-hydroxy acids in yogurt and strawberries break down dead skin cells, while the healthy fats in coconut oil and yogurt restore moisture. Perfect for nourishing oily skin.
—1 tablespoon plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
—1 teaspoon fractionated organic coconut oil
—1 strawberry, mashed
Instructions
Combine yogurt, coconut oil, and strawberry in a small bowl and mash together until they are well combined and you have a creamy texture. Apply the mixture to clean, dry skin, avoiding the eye area, and leave it on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Why it works
Yogurt’s lactic acid dissolves dead skin cells that cause dullness to reveal bright, healthy skin underneath. Strawberries contain antioxidants that protect against sun damage [source] and vitamin C that boosts collagen production. Alpha-hydroxy acids have been shown to smooth and firm skin as well as improve fine lines and wrinkles [source].
2. Hydrate dry skin with avocado & coconut oil
Worried that dry skin is making you look older? This nourishing mask restores softness to your skin and helps keep your skin looking youthful.
—½ avocado
—1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
Instructions
Mash the avocado in a bowl using a fork. Add the coconut oil and mix together. You might need to heat the coconut oil for a few seconds before adding it if it’s too solid. Apply to clean, dry skin and leave it on for 10–15 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
Why it works
Avocado’s good fats moisturize the skin, while coconut oil’s lauric acid is said to have a plumping effect that smoothes fine lines.
3. Exfoliate with oatmeal & coconut oil
If coconut oil doesn’t clog your pores, then it can be a wonder for acne-prone skin. This mask uses the less comedogenic fractionated form of coconut oil. It works to gently exfoliate and loosen dead skin cells that can clog pores and cause zits.
—1 tablespoon rolled oats
—2 tablespoons fractionated organic coconut oil
—1 teaspoon organic raw honey
Instructions
Grind the oats into a fine powder. Place the powder into a bowl with the coconut oil and honey. Heat for a few seconds if the coconut oil and honey are not runny enough to mix. Stir to combine. Massage the mixture into the skin and leave it on for 2–3 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Why it works
Gentle oats exfoliate while also calming irritation [source].
4. Even out skin tone with turmeric & coconut oil
Turmeric masks are a natural wonder for evening out your skin tone, lightening discoloration, and soothing inflammation. Combine it with coconut oil to get your skin glowing! Use this mask twice a week to even skin tone, reduce dark spots, and lighten and brighten skin.
—1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder
—1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix together with a spoon. Clean your face and apply a thin layer of mask to your skin. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, and then remove it with warm water. Massaging the oil into the skin as you rinse will help remove any yellow tint.
Why it works
Turmeric’s anti-inflammatory action [source] relieves redness from dry skin, rosacea, and acne while it regulates sebum secretion [source] and also inhibits melanin production [source] to even out skin tone.
5. Cleanse with honey & coconut oil
Use this face mask to cleanse and soothe dry skin. Coconuts are packed with antioxidants, antibacterials, and healthy fats that protect against dry skin. Plus, they help slow the signs of aging caused by sun damage.
—2 tablespoons organic raw honey
—¼ cup fractionated organic coconut oil
—2 tablespoons coconut milk (optional)
Instructions
Mix ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to a jar with a lid. To use, massage a dollop of this cleansing mask into your damp face and neck. You can leave it on for 5 minutes and then rinse well.
Why it works
Honey acts as a humectant to draw moisture deep into the skin for extra hydration, while its anti-inflammatory properties soothe irritated skin [source].
6. Unclog pores with baking soda & coconut oil
A combination of coconut oil and baking soda can help clear blackheads and prevent pimples. Plus, the gentle exfoliation keeps your skin soft and glowing. Use it as a face scrub, or leave it on as a face mask.
—1 teaspoon aluminum-free baking soda
—1 teaspoon fractionated organic coconut oil
—2–3 drops Castile soap or another gentle facial cleanser
—¼ teaspoon activated charcoal powder (optional)
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Gently massage into clean, dry skin and rinse with water.
Why it works
Antibacterial coconut oil kills pimple-causing bacteria, while baking soda absorbs excess oil and balances the skin’s pH level. Add a dash of activated charcoal to draw out impurities in your pores.
7. Brighten skin with coffee & coconut oil
Dull skin will love this energizing mask that calms puffiness and also boosts circulation for brighter skin. —1 tablespoon coffee
—½ teaspoon coffee beans, finely ground
—1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir together. Gently massage the scrubbing mask into clean skin, avoiding the eye area. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Why it works
Caffeine acts as a diuretic to eliminate water retention and skin puffiness. It also increases circulation to the skin and slows the effects of aging [source]. Finely ground coffee gently exfoliates.
8. Soothe sensitive skin with aloe & coconut oil
Cooling, anti-inflammatory aloe provides excellent hydration and healing for your skin.
—1 tablespoon organic cold-pressed virgin coconut oil
—1–2 tablespoons aloe vera juice/gel
—1–2 tablespoons kaolin clay powder
—2 drops lavender essential oil
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a small non-metal bowl and stir together with a non-metal spoon. Apply a layer of the mixture all over your face, and leave it on for 15–20 minutes. Rinse with warm water and pat dry.
Why it works
Aloe’s anti-inflammatory action calms and heals irritated skin [source].
9. Battle acne with cinnamon & coconut oil
This mask features a combination of acne fighters with both cinnamon and coconut oil.
—½ teaspoon organic cinnamon powder
—1 tablespoon fractionated organic coconut oil
Instructions
Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Gently massage the mask onto clean, dry skin using circular motions. Let it sit for 15 minutes and rinse with warm water.
Why it works
Cinnamon’s antimicrobial action beats breakouts by killing acne-causing bacteria [source].
10. Hydrate overnight with shea butter & coconut oil
Overnight masks are one of my new favorite things. If this is too heavy for your skin, you can use it as an overnight mask for your lips to keep their delicate skin hydrated and smooth. Or try it as a hand mask, and wear a pair of gloves overnight.
—1 tablespoon fractionated organic coconut oil
—1 teaspoon shea butter
—1 teaspoon organic cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil
—¼ teaspoon beeswax (optional, but you might need more shea butter)
—2 drops lavender essential oil
—2 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions
Heat everything but the essential oils in a water bath until the wax and butter have melted. Remove from heat and add the essential oils. Mix well, transfer the mixture to a jar, and let it cool completely before putting on the lid. Apply your mask before bed to help skin and lips retain moisture while you sleep.
Why it works
The combination of oils and butter is an effective emollient that conditions and nourishes your skin. Tea tree fights pimple-causing bacteria, and lavender oil calms anxiety to encourage sleep.
Coconut Oil FAQs
Coconut oil should stay on your face for an average of 15 minutes. Leaving it for too long can clog your pores, contributing to acne breakouts. If your skin is oily, make sure that you wash your face and neck with water and a cleansing gel. This will take off any potential residue, preventing it from blocking up your pores.
Coconut oil can be used on your face just as you would use a cream. Take 1 teaspoon of coconut oil and liquefy it between your palms. Apply it all over your face and neck. Rub it gently into the skin, massaging for about 1 to 2 minutes.
Coconut oil tends to be comedogenic, which means it has the potential to clog your pores. If you have acne-prone skin, it can make the condition worse if you are not careful. This is why you should never leave coconut oil on your face for too long. You should also make sure your skin is clean before applying it so that it doesn’t trap dirt in your pores.
Coconut oil is an excellent hair treatment as it combats flakes and dandruff while restoring shine to dry hair. You can make a coconut oil hair mask by mixing it with 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey. This will help you hydrate dry or damaged hair. For those with oily hair, you may want to add a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Together with coconut oil, it will help stimulate hair growth and balance your scalp’s pH levels.
References:
Poljšak N, et al. Vegetable butters and oils as therapeutically and cosmetically active ingredients for dermal use: a review of clinical studies. Front Pharmacol. 2022.
Agero ALC, et al. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis. 2004.
Varma SR, et al. In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019.
Evangelista MTP, et al. The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. Int J Dermatol. 2014.
Lin TK, et al. Anti-inflammatory and skin barrier repair effects of topical application of some plant oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2018.
Nakatsuji T, et al. Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes: its therapeutic potential for inflammatory acne vulgaris. J Invest Dermatol. 2009.
Pazyar N, et al. Oatmeal in dermatology: a brief review. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2012.
McLoone P, et al. Honey: a therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin. Cent Asian J Glob Health. 2016.
Gasparrini M, et al. Strawberry-based cosmetic formulations protect human dermal fibroblasts against UVA-induced damage. Nutrients. 2017.
Smith WP. Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acid. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996.
Vollono L, et al. Potential of curcumin in skin disorders. Nutrients. 2019.
Zaman SU, et al. Effect of turmeric (Curcuma longa Zingiberaceae) extract cream on human skin sebum secretion. Trop J Pharm Res. 2013.
Qian W, et al. Natural skin-whitening compounds for the treatment of melanogenesis (review). Exp Ther Med. 2020.
Herman A, et al. Caffeine’s mechanism of action and its cosmetic use. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2013.
Radha MH, et al. Evaluation of biological properties and clinical effectiveness of Aloe vera: a systematic review. J Tradit Complement Med. 2015.
Kawatra P, et al. Cinnamon: mystic powers of a minute ingredient. Pharmacognosy Res. 2015.
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