10 must-try beauty products that use coconut oil

Years ago, when the unofficial war on saturated fats was declared, it seemed that health care professionals and pundits inadvertently threw the baby out with the bathwater, in this case, the baby was coconut oil. While it’s true that coconut oil is a saturated fat and should be consumed in moderation (just like most things in life), there are almost endless beauty and wellness applications that have solidified coconut oil’s place in many a medicine cabinet or cosmetic bag over the years.

With a unique combination of fatty acids, including linoleic and lauric acids, coconut oil improves the skin barrier. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, and, like all oils, it’s an effective moisturizer.

Now that we’ve seen all that coconut oil can do, here are a few of the most popular coconut oil-based beauty products that you’ll want to add to your own routine.

1. For exfoliating the skin: Ogx Coconut Coffee Body Wash

Infused with arabica coffee and coconut oil, this body wash exfoliates with coffee grounds and boosts hydration for silky soft skin. It claims to be suitable for all skin types, and according to reviewers, it smells just as decadent as you would imagine.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “I live in an area with particularly abrasive water—it can really dry out your skin. Not only has this helped to shield against that, but my goodness does it smell amazing. Coffee and coconut should be in every shower in everyone's home.”

Get the Ogx Coconut Coffee Body Wash on Amazon for $5.97

2. For moisturizing all over: Hempz Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Moisturizing Skin Lotion

Formulated with hemp seed, coconut oil, and shea butter, Hempz’s Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Moisturizing Skin Lotion deeply hydrates, providing welcome relief to dry, damaged skin. Also infused with vitamins A, C, E, and D, this lotion is loaded with antioxidants to protect your skin from free radicals that cause aging.

”I'm in love with this smell. It's a perfect summery scent. Its hint of coconut with watermelon smell,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “Wish the smell lasted longer, but I'm obsessed with the way it makes my skin feel ... I might apply two or three times a day.”

Get the Hempz Fresh Coconut and Watermelon Moisturizing Skin Lotion on Amazon for $12.87

3. For protecting and soothing a dry face: Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water

Palmers’ Coconut Water Face Moisturizer is formulated with coconut water and hyaluronic acid to drench your skin in moisture and papaya enzymes to infuse your skin with antioxidants that protect from free radicals. This creamy water-based gel melts into your skin and absorbs quickly to keep it hydrated for up to 24 hours. What’s more, reviewers across the board gush about the delicious—but not overpowering—coconut scent.

One reviewer writes: “I have used this cream twice, and it is my absolute favorite! I finally found my holy grail, natural, moisturizer! I put it on before bed and woke up with a dewy (not greasy) look! It smells of sweet coconut. It’s amazing! Try this!"

Get the Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Water on Amazon for $8.99

4. For cleansing the face: Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Cleanser

With a combination of coconut and argan oils, Burt’s Bees Cleansing Oil gently dissolves dirt and makeup without stripping your skin. This cleanser provides instant hydration, leaving skin soft and smooth, and works best for normal to dry skin types. Reviewers note that it removes all traces of makeup and doesn’t leave an oily residue behind.

“Even though this is an oil cleanser, it washes off if you let the shower rinse it,” one Amazon reviewer writes. “There is zero oily residue. I have an extremely oily T-zone and this cleanser really helps.”

Get the Burt's Bees Cleansing Oil with Coconut & Argan Cleanser on Amazon for $13.59

5. For relieving a dry, itchy scalp: Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo

The Briogeo Scalp Revival is a blend of charcoal and coconut oil that “detoxifies” and exfoliates your scalp to hydrate dry skin and remove built-up hair products, dirt, and oil. A cooling blend of peppermint and tea tree oils also works to reduce scalp irritation and soothe itchy skin. This shampoo is suitable for all hair types, and users say that it cleans and moisturizes, and the coconut oil doesn’t weigh hair down.

One happy reviewer writes: “I was nervous about trying this because I thought coconut oil would weigh down my hair, but this product didn’t at all! This shampoo gets rid of built-up products and leaves your scalp feeling squeaky clean.”

Get the Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Scalp Scrub Shampoo on Sephora for $42

6. For styling curly hair: Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Curl Cream

With its blend of coconut oil, shea butter, and biotin (a vitamin known for improving the health of hair, skin, and nails), Marc Anthony’s Coconut Oil Curl Cream moisturizes dry, brittle hair, softens curls, reduces frizz, and repels humidity. This curl cream is lightweight enough for daily use, and it’s sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair. Reviewers rave that this product perfectly defines waves and coils without feeling greasy or heavy.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “This is the best product I have ever tried for my curly hair. It transforms my 1980s rodeo queen frizz into perfect ringlets, and with very little crunch. I had a straight-haired friend come to me for hair advice for her curly 16-year-old daughter, and I gave her this product. A week later, the daughter called me crying because she was so happy and grateful. She told me that her hair looked the best it ever has in her whole life.”

Get the Marc Anthony Coconut Oil Curl Cream on Amazon for $6.99

7. For moisturizing in and out of the shower: SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil

Made with virgin coconut oil, SheaMoisture’s Daily Hydration Body Oil deeply hydrates skin, leaving it silky smooth. Blended with acacia senegal (to seal in moisture) and coconut milk (to soften skin), this serum is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and suitable for all skin types. Use it in the bath or shower when you shave or as a hydrating wash, or apply it after you get out of the tub as a body moisturizer.

“Once I started using oil on my body, I never went back to lotion. Keeps you hydrated much longer, prevents stretch marks, and dries pretty quickly,” one reviewer raves. “I put mine on after my shower all over, a little goes a long way! And yes, just like lotion, within five minutes it’s absorbed! The smell is slightly fruity but I don’t mind it, I smell it only when putting it on then it fades.”

Get the SheaMoisture Daily Hydration Body Oil on Amazon for $9.99

8. For conditioning the lips: Marc Jacobs Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil

Marc Jacob’s Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil is chock full of all the moisturizing ingredients your lips need to feel instantly soft and ultra-hydrated, including coconut oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera. Reviewers say this lip oil is lightweight and it doesn’t feel sticky. Use it alone as a lip treatment, before lipstick to help it go on smoothly, or on top of a lip color as a gloss.

“Absolutely my favorite purchase ever!” one Sephora reviewer gushes. “I know this is an oil but I use it as a gloss as well and it looks so pretty! It gives me that shine without any stickiness and hydrates my lips at the same time!”

Get the Marc Jacobs Re(cover) Hydrating Coconut Lip Oil on Sephora for $29

9. For removing makeup: Kopari Coconut Melt

Kopari’s Coconut Melt is 100 percent unrefined, organic coconut oil that melts on the warmth of your skin and can be used anywhere from head to toe. Use it as a makeup remover, deep conditioner, massage oil, or shave cream. This coconut oil is suitable for all skin types, and reviewers note that it’s lighter than the coconut oil in your local grocery store—it absorbs quickly and doesn’t feel greasy.

“The smell is amazing (and non-sensitizing) and the oil itself is much lighter in feel than regular coconut oil and absorbs very nicely,” one Sephora reviewer writes. “It also provides such a beautiful glow that I felt ready to go down a catwalk.”

Get the Kopari Coconut Melt on Sephora for $18

10. For gently exfoliating the face: Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub

Palmers Coconut Sugar facial scrub uses natural coconut sugar to gently buff away dead skin, revealing a brighter, fresher complexion. Further infused with hyaluronic acid and coconut oil, this scrub hydrates dry skin and evens out skin tone, and chamomile extract soothes and comforts your skin. This facial scrub is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin.

One Amazon reviewer writes: “I love this! My skin is very sensitive, and I’ve tried so many high-end scrubs, and they just break me out and turn my face red! This one leaves my skin super smooth and glowy! Without any irritation!”

Get the Palmer's Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub on Amazon for $6