By: Tiffany Tse
Chances are you have at least one friend who’s joined the cult of coconut. Many swear by the tropical fruit for its powerful health and beauty benefits, praising coconut-derived ingredients like oil, water, and extracts for their wealth of antioxidants and naturally antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties.
According to Jessica Weiser, MD, of New York dermatology Group, “Coconut oil is a saturated fat that is high in medium-chain fatty acids, which, when applied to the skin, have been shown to improve the barrier function and hydrate the skin.” The Cliffs Notes on coconut: It’s one of the buzzy “new” ingredients that people have been using for every purpose imaginable — eating, cooking, brushing their teeth, and slathering onto their faces and bodies. And it seems that nearly everyone — well, not everyone — is pretty obsessed.
Curious to see whether coconut is capable of improving my skin and hair, I swapped my usual products for either coconut oil (based on Dr. Weiser’s advice to find “a virgin oil that hasn’t been hydrogenated, bleached, refined, deodorized, or otherwise processed”) or coconut-based products — for seven days.
The result? Not only did I smell like a piña colada for a week — though not a soul seemed to mind — but I was thrilled with my smoother skin, shinier hair, and the wonderful beachy scent that seemed to follow me everywhere.
The result? Not only did I smell like a piña colada for a week — though not a soul seemed to mind — but I was thrilled with my smoother skin, shinier hair, and the wonderful beachy scent that seemed to follow me everywhere.
But don’t take my word for it: Keep reading to find out which products I used, why they worked, and whether you, too, might soon become a coconut convert.
Lesson #1: Coconut oil is one heck of a makeup remover.
In order to test the dozens of coconut-related claims on the interwebs, I used raw coconut oil in the form of Kopari’s 100% unrefined, pure-organic virgin Coconut Melt as much as possible. In addition to incorporating the oil into my regimen, I experimented with other products (made with coconut oil, water, or extracts) as well.
My first trial called for replacing makeup remover with Coconut Melt. Like the name promises, the oil melted on contact into my skin, efficiently dissolving all traces of concealer and even waterproof eyeliner in one fell swoop. All I had to do was wipe my face with a warm, damp towel, and I was left with a squeaky-clean complexion. But the best part? My skin didn’t feel dry or tight, which Los Angeles-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, says is a benefit of using coconut oil to break up your makeup. “It won’t strip your skin like a foaming cleanser,” she explains.
My first trial called for replacing makeup remover with Coconut Melt. Like the name promises, the oil melted on contact into my skin, efficiently dissolving all traces of concealer and even waterproof eyeliner in one fell swoop. All I had to do was wipe my face with a warm, damp towel, and I was left with a squeaky-clean complexion. But the best part? My skin didn’t feel dry or tight, which Los Angeles-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, says is a benefit of using coconut oil to break up your makeup. “It won’t strip your skin like a foaming cleanser,” she explains.
Though dermatologists generally agree that coconut oil works well for most skin types, especially dry and mature, there are conflicting reports about its impact on zits. “One component of coconut oil has been shown to fight acne-causing bacteria, so some people claim that it can clear up breakouts,” says Dr. Wu. “But I haven’t seen research showing that coconut oil itself can help acne.”
Adds Dr. Weiser: “Those with acne should avoid putting coconut oil onto acne-prone areas because the oil can be occlusive and clog pores, worsening breakouts.”
Adds Dr. Weiser: “Those with acne should avoid putting coconut oil onto acne-prone areas because the oil can be occlusive and clog pores, worsening breakouts.”
Lesson #2: Even in wipe form, coconut is a badass cleanser.
Because I’m always in a hurry (aren’t we all?), I also wanted to find a coconut-based cleanser that’s good on the go. Enter: Yes To’s Coconut Cleansing Wipes. Formulated with coconut oil, coconut water, and kukui-nut extract, these disposable towelettes not only smell like a beach vacation, but they’re gentle on your skin.
Because I’m always in a hurry (aren’t we all?), I also wanted to find a coconut-based cleanser that’s good on the go. Enter: Yes To’s Coconut Cleansing Wipes. Formulated with coconut oil, coconut water, and kukui-nut extract, these disposable towelettes not only smell like a beach vacation, but they’re gentle on your skin.
Whereas the richer Coconut Melt liquefied my makeup for removal, these wipes focused on soothing skin and whisking away surface impurities. Afterward, my face felt refreshed and conditioned. My tip? Plan on using at least two wipes if you’re cleaning off a full face of makeup.
Lesson #3: As a body moisturizer, coconut oil doesn’t absorb quickly — but that can be a good thing!
Since coconut oil is touted as the ultimate hydrator, I applied Coconut Melt as an all-over body moisturizer. “It’s rich in fatty acids, so it helps keep skin soft and moisturized,” says Dr. Wu. A dollop of the buttery oil worked wonders, lending my dry, still-stuck-in-winter limbs a gorgeous sheen — sans greasiness. But don’t expect the stuff to sink in and disappear; two hours later, my shoulders, arms, and legs were still glossy. Translation: My skin felt great, but I would be hesitant to go this heavy every day — or if I were wearing delicate fabrics.
Since coconut oil is touted as the ultimate hydrator, I applied Coconut Melt as an all-over body moisturizer. “It’s rich in fatty acids, so it helps keep skin soft and moisturized,” says Dr. Wu. A dollop of the buttery oil worked wonders, lending my dry, still-stuck-in-winter limbs a gorgeous sheen — sans greasiness. But don’t expect the stuff to sink in and disappear; two hours later, my shoulders, arms, and legs were still glossy. Translation: My skin felt great, but I would be hesitant to go this heavy every day — or if I were wearing delicate fabrics.
However, Earth tu Face’s eco-friendly Coconut Body Butter, a mix of organic cold-pressed coconut oil, olive oil, and cocoa-seed butter, offers a different experience. The balm (which, like Coconut Melt, can turn to a liquid consistency when warm) worked to soften and smooth my skin — but with just a little less shine.
Because it’s not pure coconut oil, it also absorbed a little faster. Both are excellent options for parched skin, depending on whether you want a night-on-the-town glow or a subtle luster.
Lesson #4: Coconut and charcoal are a powerful pairing.
Though there are plenty of DIY mask recipes available (which call for blending coconut oil with honey, avocado, or other ingredients), Cocovít’s Coconut Charcoal Face Mask saved me a trip to the grocery store.
Though there are plenty of DIY mask recipes available (which call for blending coconut oil with honey, avocado, or other ingredients), Cocovít’s Coconut Charcoal Face Mask saved me a trip to the grocery store.
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The powder boasts activated charcoal, which acts as a magnet for toxins, as well as coconut oil for its hydrating properties. Whereas most detoxifying charcoal masks leave my skin feeling tight and taut afterward, this paste didn’t. The fact that the mask is able to draw out impurities without overly drying your skin makes it a winner — and I chalk it up to the formula’s clever addition of coconut oil.
The powder boasts activated charcoal, which acts as a magnet for toxins, as well as coconut oil for its hydrating properties. Whereas most detoxifying charcoal masks leave my skin feeling tight and taut afterward, this paste didn’t. The fact that the mask is able to draw out impurities without overly drying your skin makes it a winner — and I chalk it up to the formula’s clever addition of coconut oil.
Lesson #5: Coconut is changing the sheet-mask game.
Another mask I tried and loved was from Farmacy’s line of supercharged coconut gel masks. While I’m still a huge proponent of sheet masks, the structure of gel masks helps them better adhere to the unique contours of your face.
Farmacy’s mask-making process is special: The brand infuses fermented coconut fruit with fresh botanicals, then presses the formula into cellulose fiber to create each mask’s consistency. That means the fabric itself packs plenty of natural moisture. Thirty minutes later, my skin felt moist to the touch and appeared restored and replenished.
Another mask I tried and loved was from Farmacy’s line of supercharged coconut gel masks. While I’m still a huge proponent of sheet masks, the structure of gel masks helps them better adhere to the unique contours of your face.
Farmacy’s mask-making process is special: The brand infuses fermented coconut fruit with fresh botanicals, then presses the formula into cellulose fiber to create each mask’s consistency. That means the fabric itself packs plenty of natural moisture. Thirty minutes later, my skin felt moist to the touch and appeared restored and replenished.
Lesson #6: You can ditch your deodorant for coconut oil.
Combined with arrowroot powder or various other odor-fighting ingredients, antibacterial coconut oil can make a natural, better-for-you deodorant you can whip up at home. “It contains three different fatty acids — caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid — of which caprylic acid is known to inhibit the growth of candida, a common yeast,” explains Dr. Weiser. “Additionally these medium-chain fatty acids have natural antimicrobial properties against some bacteria, viruses, and more.”
If you don’t have arrowroot powder on hand (I didn’t), Simply Fair’s all-natural, aluminum-free Deodorant Balm is a great alternative. A blend of coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, and the elusive arrowroot powder, this formula helped fend off odors over the course of an entire workday. As a bonus, it helped keep my underarms supple and hydrated — which isn’t usually the case when it comes to your everyday deodorant.
Combined with arrowroot powder or various other odor-fighting ingredients, antibacterial coconut oil can make a natural, better-for-you deodorant you can whip up at home. “It contains three different fatty acids — caprylic acid, capric acid, and lauric acid — of which caprylic acid is known to inhibit the growth of candida, a common yeast,” explains Dr. Weiser. “Additionally these medium-chain fatty acids have natural antimicrobial properties against some bacteria, viruses, and more.”
If you don’t have arrowroot powder on hand (I didn’t), Simply Fair’s all-natural, aluminum-free Deodorant Balm is a great alternative. A blend of coconut oil, shea butter, baking soda, and the elusive arrowroot powder, this formula helped fend off odors over the course of an entire workday. As a bonus, it helped keep my underarms supple and hydrated — which isn’t usually the case when it comes to your everyday deodorant.
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