Using coconut Oil on the face seems to be a ‘fad’ right now. We often get customers and clients who ask about its us; "Should I Use Coconut Oil on my Face?" I do not recommend that people use just coconut oil on their face for several reasons.
Coconut Oil Fatty Acids
Coconut oil consists of triglycerides that are mainly composed of short and medium chain fatty acids such as lauric acid. Lauric acid has 12 carbons. There is nothing innately wrong with lauric acid and it has benefits for the skin, but your skin needs so much more than JUST lauric acid.
An important part of the skin barrier function is the matrix of lipids (including fatty acids) found in the stratum corneum (outer layer of the epidermis). The skin barrier functions to protect the skin from water loss, and to protect the body from the outer environment. Linoleic acid, an 18 carbon fatty acid found in olive oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil and rice bran oil is an important component of the skin barrier system and has been found to help relieve dry skin. Palmitoleic acid found in macadamia nut oil has 16 carbons. It too plays an important part in the integrity of skin. A variety of longer chain fatty acids that are not found in coconut oil are crucial for the the integrity of the skin.
Coconut oil does not provide moisture to the skin as some people think. Moisture means water. An oil alone, such as coconut, can help trap water in the skin but it cannot add water or moisture to the skin. Only water can do that. A good moisturizer is the perfect combination of water to hydrate and oil to help moisture stay in the skin – but you need both.
Coconut oil has fewer sterols and phenolics that act as antioxidants, compared to other oils such as sunflower and rice bran oil.
Coconut oil also has a lower level of vitamin e (tocopherols) compared to other oils.
Coconut oil is considered comodegenic. This means that it clogs pores and makes it particularly harmful for acneic skin but can cause any skin type to become congested.
Just as we are encouraged by nutritionists to eat a wide variety of foods for proper nutrition and functioning of our body in whole, it is just as important to give a variety of nutrients to our skin. This can be done by using a product that contains a variety of different plant based oils as well as added nutrients.
This is not to say you should not use products with coconut oil in them. I just don't think you should use just coconut oil on your face.
We of course recommend Springtide Face cream with rice bran oil, olive oil, raspberry seed oil and meadowfoam oils. Or if you prefer an all oil product, try Parsley Eye Serum with olive oil, sea buckthorn oil and Macadamia nut oil. This way you are getting a variety of fatty acids, as well as added antioxidants delivered to your skin.
Thanks so much. I had read that coconut oil is considered comodegenic and stopped using it on my face. Great information.
You’re welcome Sharon. Did you notice any difference in your skin between using it and not using it? I’m guessing some congestion cleared out when you stopped?
I like to use coconut oil to remove my mascara. I wear waterproof and that’s the only thing that works, besides baby oil. I figure since I wash my face after using it, I’m in the clear. 🙂
Angela, yes, I think if you just use coconut oil to remove mascara you are ok. Just use a good moisturizer afterward.
I use coconut oil on / for everything so this information REALLY helps! Thanks
Good to know. Thanks for the information.
You are welcome Donna, thanks for reading.
I’ll occasionally use a very small amount of coconut oil on my face straight out of the shower. It provides just enough for workout days. I use more (pea-sized amount) to take off waterproof eye makeup and smudge-proof lipstick.