• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Pure and Simple Nourishment
  • About
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • My Food Philosophy
    • Press and Publications
    • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Recipes
    • Holidays
      • Fall
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
    • Breakfast
    • Main Course
    • Dessert
    • Sauces and Dips
    • Side Dish
    • Drinks
    • Vegetables
    • Snack
    • Meat and Fish
    • Recipe Wrap-Ups
    • SCD
    • GAPS
    • Whole30
    • AIP
    • Vegan
    • Paleo
    • Dairy-Free
    • Gluten-Free
    • Low FODMAP
    • Refined-Sugar-Free
  • Health
    • Health Information
    • Book Club
  • Nutrition
  • Beauty
    • Beautycounter
    • Skin Care
  • Fitness
    • Fitness Information
    • Weekly Workouts
  • Favorites
    • Books
    • Tools
    • Skincare
  • Work With Me
    • Services
    • Skin Care Quiz
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Health Information
  • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
  • Services
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Health Information
    • Meet Dr. Erin Carter
    • Services
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
  • ×

    Home » Health Information

    The 15 Best Uses for Coconut Oil (other than for cooking and eating)

    Published: Sep 28, 2015 · Modified: Mar 3, 2023 by Erin Carter · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

    6 shares
    • Share
    • Yummly
    • Tweet
    Jars of coconut oil with chopped coconuts beside them.

    Coconut oil can be used for so many things besides cooking and eating. In this post I will share the 15 best uses for coconut oil including things you might never have guessed such as as a shaving cream, lip balm, lubricant, moisturizer, makeup remover and more! 

    Coconut oil in a jar and on a spoon.

    The Best Uses for Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil. Do you have a jar in your kitchen, bedroom or bathroom? Yes you read that right. I said bedroom and bathroom. Because not only is coconut oil one of the best cooking oils, it is also great for so many other things. Seriously. Just read on.

    But first things first. Why is coconut oil one of my favourite oils to cook with? There are many reasons. It's a great source of medium chain triglycerides, is heat stable, and contains a lot of lauric acid. Say what? Don't worry I will explain.

    Medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) are a special type of short chain saturated fat. Yes saturated fat. Don't be scared. This type of saturated fat is different than the longer chains found in animal fat (although you don't need to be scared of animal fat either - but that lesson can be saved for another time). MCTs are special because they don't require bile salts for absorption in the gut - they diffuse directly from your gut to your blood and can be used by yours cells for energy without modification. Cool right?

    Coconut oil is also heat stable. This means that you can heat it to high temperatures without worrying, making it an ideal cooking oil. It won't produce any free radicals or oxidize when it is heated (unlike other oils such as olive oil).

    Coconut oil contains a lot of lauric acid. Almost 50% of the fatty acids in coconut oil are lauric acid, which actually has anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Coconut milk is another great source of lauric acid as well.

    Plus there are many other health benefits associated with eating coconut oil, including weight loss, boosting your HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), improving brain function and more.

    But, coconut oil has so many other great uses besides coking and eating, so let's review 15 uses for coconut oil, other than cooking and eating!

    The best uses for coconut oil (other than cooking):

    1. Moisturizer

    Coconut oil is a great natural moisturizer because it absorbs quickly and is non-comedogenic. I use it on my body, but I know many people that use it as their facial moisturizer as well. Just be cautious if you are acne prone, in some people it seems to help their acne, but in others it can make it worse. Again, everyone is different so you will need to see for yourself. An added tip is to add a few drops of your favorite scented essential oil to your coconut oil to make a scented moisturizer without the artificial scents found in conventionally scented products. One of my favourite additions is peppermint oil. But lemon and lavender are also great.

    2. Improve dental health

    Oil pulling is a great way to help improve your oral health. Not only can this method whiten your teeth, but it can restore your gum health and even help heal certain chronic diseases.

    Coconut oil can help fight certain bacteria, including Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria in your mouth that causes dental plaque, tooth decay, and gum disease. One study showed that oil pulling with coconut oil for 10 minutes a day reduced these bacteria as effectively as rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash. And in another study, swishing daily with coconut oil significantly reduced the amount of inflammation and plaque in teenagers with gingivitis.

    To oil pull, you put a bit of coconut oil (~1 tablespoon of oil) in your mouth, first thing in the morning, and swish it around in your mouth for 5-20 minutes. Then you rinse your mouth, brush your teeth, and carry on with your day. Since I started oil pulling my dentist has been amazed at the improvements in my gum health. But oil pulling has the potential to improve your health in so many other ways. There is no way I can summarize it here but you can learn more by reading this book that goes into much more detail.

    You could also add a bit of baking soda to your coconut oil and made a homemade toothpaste!

    3. Wound Healing

    As I mentioned, coconut oil contains a lot of lauric acid which has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. Hence it has the potential to help heal cuts and wounds. One study did find that rats whose wounds were treated with coconut oil had a reduction in inflammatory markers and increased production of collagen and as a result, their wounds healed much faster compared to wounds where coconut oil was not used.

    Now I would never recommend that you go against medical advice if antibiotics are recommended for a more seriously infected skin wound or infection, but most day-to-day scrapes, cuts and injuries don't require antibiotics. Simply use a small amount of coconut oil as you would polysporin or other topical agents. You can even add a few drops of an essential oil with anti-bacterial properties for even more potency.

     

    4. Face Wash and Makeup Remover

    Oil cleansing. Have you heard of this? Basically it's a way to wash your face with oil. Yes I realize this might sound a little crazy, but the idea is that you are trying to restore the natural oil production of your face by not stripping away the oil the way that some cleansers tend to do.

    To oil cleanse you apply a small amount of the oil of your choice to your face, and massage it in for 1-2 minutes. You then apply a hot face cloth to your face for 1 minute, or until the cloth cools. Then you remove all the oil with a washcloth. You can use coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil etc etc for this. And different oils are better for different skin types so make sure you do your research before starting.

    The other thing you can use coconut oil for is as a makeup remover. I especially like using it to help remove my mascara.

    5. Lubricant

    Yes I really mean lubricant. I have to say that when I started my blog a couple years ago I never would have thought I would be talking about sex. But since we are discussing all things health related here it was bound to come up eventually. And a healthy sex life is so important to a healthy relationship and your overall health, so it's time we talk about it. So here goes.

    Coconut oil makes a great natural lubricant. It melts quickly, contains no chemicals and even tastes good. So go to your cupboards and please throw out all your jars/bottles/tubes of convention lubricants. You don't even want to look at the ingredient lists. They are horrifying. If you ask me that stuff has no business being near your genital area. Or your mouth for that matter. For an added bonus you can even add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to the coconut oil for a cooling/ tingly sensation.

    6. Sunscreen

    When applied to the skin, coconut oil can offer minimal protection from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In fact, one study found that coconut oil blocks about 20% of the suns' UV rays. However, this 20% is quite low compared to conventional sunscreens which normally block about 90-99% of the sun's UV rays so I would not recommend relying on coconut oil as your sunscreen. If you are looking for a safe, non-toxic sunscreen I have got lots of great options for you in my sunscreen review post.

    7. For skin irritation and eczema

    Studies have shown that coconut oil can work just as well as well as mineral oil and other conventional moisturizers for dermatitis, eczema and other types of skin irritation.

    8. To improve the health of your hair

    Coconut oil can be used to help improve the health of your hair. A study compared the effects of coconut oil, mineral oil, and sunflower oil on hair health and it was only the coconut oil that helped significantly reduced protein loss from hair when applied before or after shampooing. This benefit was seen with both damaged hair as well as healthy hair. The authors of the study felt it was the unique structure of the lauric acid in coconut oil that penetrated the hair shaft in a way that the other fats couldn't which accounted for the benefits seen with the coconut oil compared to the other oils.

    10. Insect repellant

    In one study, combining certain essential oils with coconut oil and applying it to the skin provided over 98% protection from the bites of certain mosquitoes. How cool is that?

    11. Stain remover

    Coconut oil can be used to help get rid of stains, including spills on carpets and furniture. To use coconut oil as a stain remover, combine one part coconut oil with one part baking soda and mix these in to a paste. Apply this paste to the stain, wait five minutes, and then wipe it away.

    12. Deodorant

    Because of its antibacterial and moisturizing properties, coconut oil is used as the base for many natural deodorants. You can find many easy recipes for natural deodorants made with coconut oil and other natural ingredients online.

    13. Furniture polish

    Coconut oil can be used to help keep your wood furniture healthy and shiny.

    In addition to bringing out the beauty in natural wood, coconut oil also seems to act as a dust repellent to help keep your wooden furniture looking as clean and shiny as possible.

    14. Lip balm

    Coconut oil makes a great natural lip balm because it's not only moisturizing but it also has antibacterial and wound healing properties to help heal your lips if they are chapped. Coconut oil goes on smoothly, will help moisturize your lips for hours, and offers some minimal sun protection too.

    15. Shaving cream

    Coconut oil can be used as a natural shaving gel or shaving cream. You can shave with pure coconut oil or mix it with other skin-friendly ingredients, such as aloe vera or shea butter, to create a more traditional cream-like texture.

    Summary

    As you can see, besides being used for cooking or eating, coconut oil can be used in a variety of ways. This natural, affordable plant based oil is a great option for everyone to have in their pantry.

    What else do you use coconut oil for? I would love to hear!

    Other health information you will be interested in:

    • Is there mercury in your mascara?
    • Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better?
    • How to choose safe cookware
    • Are candles toxic?
    • The best non-toxic laundry detergent

    References:

    1. Potential of herbs in skin protection from ultraviolet radiation
    2. 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
    3. Novel antibacterial and emollient effects of coconut and virgin olive oils in adult atopic dermatitis
    4. 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
    5. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis
    6. The Effect of Coconut Oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans Count in Saliva in Comparison with Chlorhexidine Mouthwash
    7. Effect of coconut oil in plaque related gingivitis - A preliminary report
    8. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage
    9. Effect of topical application of virgin coconut oil on skin components and antioxidant status during dermal wound healing in young rats
    10. Efficacy of Thai herbal essential oils as green repellent against mosquito vectors

    More Health Information

    • A collage of vitamin C serums with the title The Best Non-Toxic Vitamin C Serums above it.
      The 20 Best Non-Toxic Vitamin C Serums
    • A glass bowl with baking powder and a teaspoon in it with the title Is Baking Powder Gluten Free over it.
      Is Baking Powder Gluten Free?
    • A piece of cut steak on a ceramic slab with the title Carnivore Diet Meal Plan over it.
      Carnivore Diet Meal Plan
    • A collage of face masks with the title The Best Non-Toxic Face Masks on it.
      The Best Non-Toxic Face Masks for All Skin Types

    DISCLAIMERS: The statements made on this website have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration or Health Canada. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. You assume full responsibility for how you use this information. Always consult with your physician or other health professionals before making any diet or lifestyle changes. This post may contain affiliate links whereby if you purchase these products I receive a small percentage of the sale price. This allows me to keep the blog running and I thank you for allowing me to do that!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Chasity Baker

      January 06, 2016 at 9:43 pm

      Would you recommend using virgin coconut oil or just any kind?

      Reply
    2. Erin Carter

      January 07, 2016 at 7:21 pm

      Hey Chasity. I personally use virgin. My favorite brand is Nutiva organic virgin coconut oil

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    A photo of Dr. Erin Carter wearing a floral dress in her kitchen.

    Hi everyone! My name is Dr. Erin Carter and I am so thrilled you are here. I am a physician with specialities in both internal medicine and rheumatology, and I believe that food and healthy living are forms of medicine. In my spare time I share health information and delicious, healthy recipes here on Pure and Simple Nourishment.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • Air Fryer Hash Browns
    • A bowl of protein baked oats topped with melted chocolate with a spoon in it.
      The Best Protein Baked Oats
    • An omelette with chicken, spinach, tomato and cheese in it on a plate.
      Chicken Omelette
    • Two soft boiled eggs in the shell that have been cut in half.
      Soft Boiled Eggs in Microwave

    Healthy Main Dishes

    • A piece of Mahi Mahi cooked in an air fryer on a plate.
      Air Fryer Mahi Mahi
    • A bowl of mango chicken curry topped with white rice and garnished with cilantro.
      Mango Chicken Curry
    • A bowl of paleo curried butternut squash soup garnished with flowers and fresh parsley.
      Paleo Curried Butternut Squash Soup
    • A plate with a cut up steak on it covered in chimichurri sauce.
      The Best Denver Steak
    • Blackened Mahi Mahi
    • A pan filled with tuna fried rice with chop sticks on top.
      Tuna Fried Rice

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    Some of the links on this website are affiliate links whereby we make a small percentage if you purchase the product through that link. It does not cost you anything extra and helps us keep this website running. As an Amazon associate we earn a small percentage from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Pure & Simple Nourishment

    6 shares
    6 shares