The coconut tree is considered the “tree of life” in much of Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines, and other tropical locations. And today, there are over 1,500 studies proving the health benefits of coconut oil. Coconut oil might just be the most versatile health food on the planet. But its uses are not limited to food – they are extended to being a form of natural medicine, be used for natural beauty treatments, household uses and so much more. 

Below are listed 20 different uses for your Hair, Body and Skin Care 

1. Natural Facial Moisturizer – Coconut oil is a great moisturizer for your face. It absorbs quickly, and is non-greasy. At room temperature, coconut is a solid, but it quickly melts when it comes into contact with hands. Before bed, wash your face, and pat dry. Warm a dollop the size of a pea in your hands and rub in a circular motion into your face. Let sit for 5 minutes, and then wipe off what is still on the surface.

2. As a Gentle Face Wash – Coconut oil can be used in natural face wash recipe to cleanse an moisturize. Mix with lavender oil, tea tree oil and raw honey for best results.

3. Natural Makeup Remover – Just a small dab of coconut oil will quickly liquefy eye makeup, making it easy to wipe off. Rub coconut oil gently onto the upper lids and lower lids in a circular motion. Wipe off with a warm cloth. The benefit over commercial eye makeup removers, is that coconut oil will not sting or irritate eyes, and as a bonus, will help to hydrate around the eyes.

4. Wrinkle Reducer – For areas of concern around eyes, dab just a touch around the eyes to help fight pre-maturing aging. Leave the oil on overnight to soak in, and wake up looking refreshed. Combine with frankincense oil for additional anti-aging benefits.

5. Lip Balm – Dry chapped lips can happen during any season. Commercial lip balms are packed with unhealthy (and potentially toxic) ingredients, which is particularly concerning since we put them on our lips. The healing properties of coconut oil helps to nourish the lips, provides a touch of sun protection, and most importantly, is safe to consume. Combine 2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 2 tablespoons of beeswax, and 1 tablespoon of shea butter in a nonstick saucepan. Warm slowly until melted. Use a small funnel to refill used lip balm containers. Allow to set up for 6 hours.

6. Naturally Tinted Lip Gloss or Lipstick – You can naturally tint the lip balm recipe above with beetroot powder, cocoa powder, turmeric, and cinnamon. You only need a small amount of spices and a little bit goes a long way.

7. Soothing Shaving Cream – If razor burn, ingrown hairs, or other skin irritation is a problem after shaving, start using pure coconut oil as your shaving “cream”. Warm a dab in the palm of your hands and rub on your face, under arms, on the legs, or the bikini area and then shave. Rinse well, and pat dry.

8. Homemade Toothpaste – Mix equal parts of coconut oil with baking soda then add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for homemade toothpaste. Try my recipe for homemade probiotic toothpaste with coconut oil, Bentonite Clay, probiotics and peppermint essential oil.

9. Natural Mouthwash – Mix equal parts of coconut oil and baking soda, and then add a few drops of peppermint essential oils. Use daily to help whiten teeth, improve gum health, and freshen your breath. According to researchers at the Athlone Institute of Technology, the antibiotic properties of coconut oil destroy the bacteria that causes tooth decay.

10. Moisturize Your Skin: The very first thing on this list. In lieu of your regular lotion, coconut oil delivers a refreshing, healing, burst of moisture that penetrates your skin and works to truly heal it (not just soak in and dry up!) It can feel oily at first, but that’s why it’s important to only use a little-it goes a long way. Give it a minute and it will dry beautifully. Use as you would regular lotion. As a bonus, coconut oil has a natural SPF and is great to protect your skin from sun damage. If you are applying to the bottom of your feet, do so outside of the tub, so as not to slip.

11. Homemade Exfoliator – Combine oil with organic coconut sugar or ground coffee beans to create a homemade facial or body scrub that will help remove dry skin. Do this twice weekly for smooth skin that is less likely to develop ingrown hairs, acne, blackheads, or other unwanted dullness.

12. Natural Deodorant – Coconut oil’s natural antibacterial properties help to keep body odor at bay. It is an excellent deodorant on its own, or when combined into a paste with baking soda and essential oils.

13. Sunscreen / Sunburn Remedy – Coconut oil is an all natural sunscreen and sunburn remedy, all in one. In fact, it is SPF 4, just enough to protect against sun damage, and the best of the nonvolatile herbal oils. Reapply as necessary, throughout the day. If you get too much sun, gently rub coconut oil into affected areas and it will promote healing, and soothe the pain.

14. Sulfate-Free Shampoo – Coconut can cleanse hair if used with apple cider vinegar, and because it doesn’t have any harsh chemicals in it. This method leaves your color intact for longer, prevents dullness and orange or yellow discoloration, and makes your hair soft and shiny.

15. Conditioner: When the teeny tiny overlapping plates that make up our outer hair shaft get rumpled and out of whack, coconut oil is there to smooth those tiny little cells right back into place, and hold them there. You can use it on your entire scalp/head for deep conditioning, but you can generally just use it on your ends, where it’s the hardest for the body’s natural oils to reach, and where the most breakage occurs.

16. Prevent and Treat Dandruff – This can help to encourage new hair growth, and will discourage dandruff. Rinse well (and then rinse again), and then style as usual. Your hair should be healthy, shiny, and full of body. If the coconut oil weighs your hair down, use less the next time, and rinse well.

17. Hair De-tangler for Children – Use a small amount of coconut oil on your children’s’ hair when it’s extra nutty and needs a natural, smooth solution for getting it brushed easily. Rub oil between your palms and then onto wet hair before combining through.

18. Hair Texturizer and Gel Replacement – Many commercial brands of hair gel and mouse contain alcohol which dries out your hair, not to mention many other toxic chemicals and fragrances. Try using a bit of coconut oil rubbed into the ends of your hair to hold its style and condition it at the same time. The oil prevents fly aways and adds extra shine too.

19. Personal Lubricant – Coconut oil is an effective and safe personal lubricant. Unlike commercial preparations, its anti fungal, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties help keep the vaginal flora healthy. (One note: avoid using coconut oil or any oil with any latex contraseptives, as it can corrode the latex.)

20. Massage Oil – Coconut oil is a soothing and conditioning massage oil. Add a couple of drops of lavender oil and peppermint oil to help heal sore muscles, and stimulate mindful relaxation.