8 Ways to Boost Your Beauty Routine with Coconut Oil
Updated: Dec. 22, 2023
It's not just for the pantry! Coconut oil is moisturizing and skin soothing—find out why you need to keep a jar in your medicine cabinet.
We all love this pantry staple for what it can do in the kitchen and for all the ways it can be used around the house—but did you know that coconut oil is just as helpful in your personal care routine?
That’s right, this versatile oil can be used to pamper your skin, nails, hair, mouth and more—it really does it all! Check out eight ways you can use coconut oil as part of your beauty routine.
Shaving cream replacement
If you ever run out of shaving cream, coconut oil can help you get a close, smooth shave without any nicks or bumps. Just spread the oil on your legs the same way you would shaving cream. As an added bonus—the oil will moisturize your skin, leaving it soft and dewy.
Makeup remover
Makeup wipes not getting the job done on waterproof mascara or matte liquid lipstick? Coconut oil can help you with that! Simply melt down the oil, then put it on a cotton pad to wipe away stubborn makeup. You’ll be amazed at how effective it is without being harsh on your skin.
Cuticle moisturizer
Your cuticles might look polished and perfect after you get a manicure, but inevitably they start drying out and peeling within a week or so. Keep them moisturized for longer by applying the tiniest bit of coconut oil to your nail beds every morning. This will help extend the life of your mani and prevent nasty hangnails.
Want to keep your hands looking their best? Be sure to wear dish gloves!
Hair mask
It might seem a little weird to put oil in your hair, but hear us out! Coconut oil can help hydrate lackluster hair, making it look shiny and volumized. Rub a generous amount of oil into your dry hair and leave it for an hour or more before you shower. Repeat regularly—a few times a week—for best results.
Alternative mouthwash
Oil pulling was quite the craze a few years ago, and while it’s not as trendy anymore, it’s still a good way to clean your mouth and gums. All you have to do is swish a spoonful of melted coconut oil in your mouth for a minute or two to improve your oral health.
Body scrub
Why spend money on store-bought body scrubs when they’re so easy to make from scratch? All you need for a simple sugar scrub is coconut oil and sugar! However, you can add in ingredients like honey lemon zest, or essential oils for an even more lavish experience.
Hair protectant
You probably use sunscreen to protect your skin on hot summer days, but what are you doing to protect your hair? The sun, pool chemicals, and salty ocean water can all damage your luscious locks, but you can give them a layer of protection by applying a little bit of coconut oil all over before heading to the pool or beach.
Soothe dry, itchy skin
Do you have super dry skin in the winter? Or itchy bug bites in the summer? The soothing properties of coconut oil make it helpful in battling dry skin or irritation. Just rub a little into your trouble spots for speedy relief. You can even massage it into your scalp to help with scratchy dandruff.
This pantry ingredient works wonders on dry, itchy skin, too.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Originally Published: April 26, 2019
