A Trusted Friend in a Complicated World

13 Surprising Coconut Oil Uses for Beautiful Hair, Skin, and More

Coconut oil: It's not just for cooking anymore.

1 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to remove makeup

Many of the common coconut oil uses are for cosmetic purposes. For example, to remove stubborn eye makeup gently: Dab a little coconut oil on a cotton ball or makeup pad and wipe around your eyes or on skin until clean. Be sure to rinse your face afterward. These are the six natural face cleansers you can make yourself.

2 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to tame frizzy hair

To keep wild locks under control, warm up a small bit of coconut oil between your hands and run your fingers through your hair. The oil will help smooth strands out without looking greasy. For a deep conditioning treatment without the chemicals, leave the oil in your hair all day. Using coconut oil on your hair and scalp is also one of our most effective dandruff remedies. Speaking of, if you’ve got an itchy scalp, learn how to spot the difference between lice and dandruff.

3 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil as deodorant

Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which kills odor-causing bacteria. Dab a little oil under your armpits to stay fresh (and smell good) all day.

4 / 13
Polka Dot/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to reduce wrinkles

Use coconut oil as an eye cream to minimize the appearance of wrinkles and keep skin looking smooth. Coconut oil also encourages the production of collagen, which some find key to a youthful appearance.

5 / 13
Fuse/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil as daily moisturizer

Beauty experts swear by coconut oil’s moisturizing power; it absorbs into the skin faster than many lotions, and a tiny bit goes a long way. You can try it out of the jar, or trying making your own homemade lotion with coconut oil and other natural ingredients. Here are nine other natural moisturizers you already have in your cabinet.

6 / 13
Fuse/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil as lip balm

One of the most simple coconut oil uses: Treat chapped lips by dabbing a little coconut oil on your lips with your finger.

7 / 13
Fuse/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil as shaving cream

If you have sensitive skin, swap out store-bought shaving cream for coconut oil. It’s slick enough for a close shave—and moisturizes, too. If you want to clean your razors use nail polish remover.

8 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to kill lice

It’s one of the more unusual coconut oil uses, but if you have a lice problem, coconutoil.com suggests dousing the affected area with apple cider vinegar. After it dries (don’t wash it out!), rub coconut oil into the hair and scalp. Leave the oil in overnight to give it time to smother and kill the lice.

9 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to treat cold sores

Dab a little coconut oil on the spot as soon as you feel a tingle, and reapply as needed to allow the coconut oil’s antiviral properties help clear up the problem. This is your ultimate essential oil guide.

10 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to protect wounds

Next time you get a small wound or scrape, grab some coconut oil and smear it on the cut and surrounding skin. The oil will form a protective layer against dust or bacteria.

11 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil for inside beauty

Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides, and these unique fats provide energy instead of being stored by the body. Add a tablespoon to your morning smoothie, or spread some on toast for a quick boost. But before you get carried away, read up on the six things nutritionists need you to know about coconut oil.

12 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil to clear up baby thrush

If your baby develops thrush, a common yeast infection of the mouth, naturalnews.com recommends coconut oil as a natural antifungal that will prevent the infection from spreading if dabbed on the nipple and baby’s mouth. Check with your doctor first to see if it’s right for you.

13 / 13
iStock/Thinkstock

Use coconut oil for a better tan

It’s not going to provide SPF protection, but if you use tanning oil, try coconut oil instead. Fans claim it will help your skin tan faster while keeping it moisturized, which might mean less burning or peeling.

Reader's Digest
Originally Published in Reader's Digest