Best Coconut Oil Review: Top Picks For Skin And Hair

Coconut oil has become an extremely popular product, and I for one am a fan, mainly for skin and hair.

In 2017, the American Heart Association advised against using coconut oil, because it is 80% to 90% saturated fat and raises LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, as Harvard’s Nutrition Source explains.

Some commentators contradicted the report, but the evidence still favors limiting coconut oil in your diet and using unsaturated oils for most cooking.

Claims that coconut oil helps with weight loss or brain function aren’t backed by good evidence. A meta-analysis found no effect on body weight or body fat compared with other vegetable oils.

Its best-supported uses are cosmetic, as a moisturizer for skin and hair.

It can be used in cooking and baking, or applied to your skin and hair.

I personally use it as a hair mask, a moisturizer, a deodorant, a makeup remover and for oil pulling. What I’d do without it, I have no idea.

Although the benefits have been known to some cultures for centuries upon centuries, it’s only recently that is has become extremely popular with the average joe.

10 Best Coconut Oils Comparison

Image	Model	Quantity (Oz)	Sizes Available	Rating
Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil	Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil	16	No
Coconut Oil for Hair and Skin By COCO and CO Beauty Grade 100 RAW Mini Jar	Coconut Oil for Hair & Skin By COCO&CO. Beauty Grade 100% RAW Mini Jar	2	Yes
Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil	Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil	16	Yes
Anjou Coconut Oil	Anjou Coconut Oil	11	Yes
Cococare Coconut Oil	Cococare Coconut Oil	4	Yes
Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Sky Organics	Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – Sky Organics	16.9	Yes
Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil	Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil	54	No
Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil	Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil	15	Yes
Coconut Oil for Skin Care Honeydew	Coconut Oil for Skin Care Honeydew	8	No
SheaMoisture Coconut Oil	SheaMoisture Coconut Oil	15	No

Many people like coconut oil as a simple, natural skin and hair product.

Given how versatile it is, it’s become popular for loads of different purposes.

Not all coconut oils have been created equal, so we’ve looked at the good and the not so good to recommend only the best coconut oil available on the market.

You only deserve the best, after all, especially for something you are going to be both putting on your skin, your largest organ.

We’ll be taking a closer look at coconut oils specifically meant for improving your skin and hair, although most of these products are wonderfully and natural and can be used for a number of other uses as well.

Features And Benefits Of Coconut Oil

These are a few of the many benefits provided by good quality coconut oil:

Hair Care With Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is great to moisturize, condition or detangle your hair. It isn’t a proven treatment for dandruff or lice, though. For dandruff, see the American Academy of Dermatology’s guide on how to treat dandruff with a medicated shampoo.

To use as a conditioner, warm it until liquid (unless you live somewhere warm).

I just do this by rubbing a bit between my palms. Leave it on for 30 minutes and then shampoo it off.

You can also use it for protection from the elements.

If you’re going to be outdoors all day, you can massage some oil into your hair to help protect it from wind and drying out. It’s also great in for keeping hair that tends to go frizzy in humid conditions under control.

If you’ve been there, you’ll know what a nightmare it is!

Again, simply massage a small amount into the hair in the morning. Don’t go overboard though, as no one wants to rock that grease-ball look.

So why does it work so wonderfully?

Because coconut oil is a triglyceride containing lauric acid, it’s attracted to proteins in the hair.

It can penetrate the hair shaft thanks to its straight linear chain and low molecular weight. Lab studies found coconut oil reduced protein loss from hair, according to a review of hair oils in the International Journal of Trichology.

Skin Care With Coconut Oil

Many people use coconut oil for the skin as a moisturizer for dry skin.

I’ve been using it for years for just about everything, and I’m now known for having a slight coconuty scent when I’m fresh out of the shower!

There are worse things to be known for, I feel.

It works well as a natural moisturizer.

If you live in very dry conditions, however, you might want to whip up something that goes a bit deeper, using shea butter too.

Try this recipe by Modern Hippie Housewife.

Coconut oil is not a sunscreen, so don’t rely on it for sun protection.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen instead whenever you’re out in the sun.

Lab studies show it has some antibacterial and antifungal activity, but it is not a treatment for skin infections.

Some people use it to soothe dry skin from eczema or psoriasis, but check with your doctor first, and don’t put it on burns or broken skin without medical advice.

How Does That Work? I Hear You Cry…

Its fatty acids, mainly lauric acid, help soften and moisturize dry skin.

As with any product, do a patch test first, since some people react to coconut oil.

As a moisturizer, it can make skin feel softer and look smoother.

Mixed with sugar, it makes a simple body scrub, and well-moisturized skin can make fine lines look less noticeable.

Winning!

As if that weren’t enough, other uses include body massage and makeup removal, so no more expensive concoctions to get rid of your panda eyes.

Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores?

Is Coconut Oil Comedogenic?

Coconut oil is considered comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores, especially if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

Hey, nothing’s perfect!

This is all to do with the person’s skin type. Comedogenic means a substance that could possibly block the pores of people with a skin type that is prone to blocked pores, normally people with large pores.

Pores can also be blocked by natural skin oil, bacteria and dead skin cells.

These can enter the skin and result in blackheads or whiteheads.

Coconut oil is, therefore, better suited to dry skin and to the body than to acne-prone areas of the face.

If your skin is so greasy you wouldn’t dream of adding any extra oil to it, just follow your gut and avoid using coconut oil on your face.

Alternatively, it can be used when blended with a less comedogenic oil to balance the effect.

Make sure to exfoliate first to remove any existing build up and really feel the benefits.

What Is The Best Type Of Coconut Oil?

The most important thing to look out for when buying coconut oil is that it’s 100% natural and organic, virgin coconut oil.

For skin and hair, I prefer unrefined (virgin) oil, though refined oil is fine for high-heat cooking. Note that “virgin” and “extra virgin” aren’t regulated terms for coconut oil.

We’ve checked out the top-selling coconut oils on the market.

Luckily, we don’t have to simply take the manufacturer’s word for it.

We’ve read thousands of reviews from customers that have purchased and used the various coconut oils, and I’ve even tried a few of them myself.

Based on the huge amount of feedback available, we’ve come up with this top selection of the best coconut oils out there .

Top 6 Best Coconut Oils For Home Use

Molivera Organics Fractionated Coconut Oil 16 oz. Premium Grade A

This product was raved about by customers and has proved itself to be one of the best coconut oils on the market.

It’s totally pure 100% MCT Coconut Oil, which is great news..

This premium grade product is perfect for use as a skin and hair moisturizer, massage oils and as a carrier oil for aromatherapy products.

It’s 100% vegan, preservative, fragrance, hexane and chemical free.

As a light moisturizer, it can help skin look smoother.

This oil is easily absorbed by the skin meaning you feel the full effects.

The oil is odorless and clear so it won’t stain or mark clothing, an essential feature as far as I’m concerned.

Coconut Oil For Hair & Skin By COCO&CO. Beauty Grade 100% RAW (2oz) Mini Jar

Another one of the best coconut oils to buy is the Coconut Oil for Hair & Skin By COCO&CO.

It’s manufactured specifically for the beauty market and is a high grade, totally organic extra virgin coconut oil.

It’s the perfect treatment for the health of your skin, hair and nails.

This oil is gentle yet highly effective on your delicate skin.

The handy mini 2oz is perfect to carry around or keep nearby for a quick application.

Take your coconut oil on your travels with you as an on-the-go moisturizer and makeup remover!

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil(16 Ounce)

The brillaint feedback on this cold-pressed, organic and unrefined product shows that it’s also one of the best options out there.

The Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has a fresh aroma and a smooth, silky texture.

It’s a good moisturizer for dry hair or skin and absorbs fairly well.

Used as a hair mask, it can help smooth damaged ends, though no oil can truly repair your hair once the ends have split. It does give hair a natural, healthy sheen.

Can This Coconut Oil Also Be Used For Babies?

Coconut oil is often used on babies’ dry skin, and the NHS advice on cradle cap lists coconut oil as one option to loosen the scales. Ask your pediatrician before using any product on a newborn.

If you want a plain, gentle coconut oil for baby skin, this is a good choice. Patch test a small area first.

Sensitivity should be your main concern when it comes to using any products on your little one’s skin. Coconut oil is safe for most babies’ skin, but stop using it if you see a rash or irritation.

In short, Viva Naturals extra virgin coconut oil is a solid pick.

If you’re going to be using coconut oil for baby skin (and your own), this is a great choice. It’s a simple, gentle option for dry skin.

Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil(54 Ounce)

Viva Naturals have received some of the highest customer reviews amongst coconut oil brands thanks to their Viva Naturals – Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.

This brand has approached their product in a very natural, ecologically-friendly way, shunning large-scale coconut farms.

This brand sources their coconuts from the mountain regions in the Philippines from local farmers who have hand picked their coconuts.

Viva naturals promise that within hours of harvesting the coconuts they are cold pressed, and not stored away for a time like many others.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Using This Oil For Babies?

Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that absorbs fairly quickly and isn’t overly greasy.

Using coconut oil on babies’ skin is a moisturizing step, not a source of nutrients.

Many communities on tropical islands have long used coconut oil. Samoan mothers, for example, are described as massaging their babies with coconut oil, believing it gives them strong bones and healthy skin.

Anjou Coconut Oil

This product is 100% organic, unrefined, extra virgin, cold pressed coconut oil.

It got stellar reviews from consumers as being perfect for hair and skin use.

It’s also suitable for cooking so you can get creative in the kitchen!

Anjou Coconut Oil is USDA certified and comes from non-GMO coconuts. It’s free of any hexane or bleach.

Anjou Naturals have produced their 100% organic & natural oil, also USDA certified. Their coconut oil is cold pressed, unrefined, non-GMO and free of bleach, trans fats, and hexane, all things you don’t want to be putting in or on your body.

Anjou claims that the best coconuts are sourced from Sri Lankan non-crossbred trees that have been planted in nutrient-rich coastal soil, and in turn, the hot tropical weather produces the tastiest coconuts. You can use this oil dreaming of those Sri Lankan beaches…

Anjou markets its coconut oil for cooking as well as hair and skin treatments.

Use it as wonderful nourishment for hair and skin as well as a full body moisturizer. It’s also a mild but effective makeup remover.

A great multi-tasker!

Cococare Coconut Oil, 4 Ounce

This 100% pure, natural product is made in the USA.

It’s the ideal coconut oil for hair, nails and skin, and anything else you can think of!

It gently moisturizes skin, which can make it look smoother, though no oil can erase lines. See our guide to reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

When used on the hair, it will leave it soft and manageable with a fabulous shine. It also works wonders on your nails.

Another popular use of the Cococare Coconut Oil is to combine it with your favourite essential oil and use it as a body massage oil for a soothing, relaxing result.

Do it yourself, or enlist a massage partner!

Lucy Bee Coconut Oil (500 ml)

This coconut oil from Lucy Bee is my absolute go-to whenever I need a little boost. It’s better for you than a night of chocolate, wine and Katherine Heigl movies, sadly.

Not that I don’t do both, of course. A balanced lifestyle is the key. Anyway.

Let me introduce you to 500ml of pure coconut oil. It’s my favorite. It’s organic, Fair Trade and 100% virgin.

It has a light coconut scent. It turns liquid above about 78°F and is solid in a cool room.

It’s advertised as a cooking and baking alternative, but it can be used in your beauty routine for amazing results. Have I mentioned that? Once or twice?

For the amount of coconut oil you’re getting and the quality, I think it’s good value. 500ml keeps me going for a couple of months, and that’s using it for a number of different things each day.

Lucy Bee does offer smaller sizes of the same coconut oil if you want to ease yourself in and dip one (moisturized) toe in at a time.

This product is also organic, which is always a nice touch. Nothing is added and nothing is watered down.

The fact it’s Fair Trade is a huge selling point for me and makes it stand out from the huge array of alternatives on the market.

How Does It Actually Work & Can I Really Get Rid Of Cellulite & Stretch Marks?

Without going into the boring science of it, cellulite is essentially just fat that presses against the skin, causing the dimples we’re all too familiar with.

Stretch marks are pretty self-explanatory and often accompany growth spurts, weight gain and pregnancy. Both of these are completely normal and highly common in both men and women!

Some people say rubbing coconut oil into your skin improves blood circulation, but there’s no good evidence that it breaks down fat, removes cellulite or fades stretch marks.

What it can do is keep the skin moisturized, which may make it feel softer.

Bear in mind that coconut oil, while incredible, will not give you air-brushed, blemish-free, photo-shopped skin. Nobody has thatkind of skin in real life!

Most people have some cellulite, scars, stretch marks or other imperfections. Coconut oil can make your skin feel softer, but it can’t get rid of them.

Lucy Bee Coconut Oil (300 ml)

Pay attention here, this is important –please, please, please only ever buy virgin or extra virgin coconut oil!

Some products blend coconut oil with other oils or fragrance, so read the label.

Look for a label that says 100% coconut oil.

My favorite?

Lucy Bee’s coconut oil. It’s aimed at use in the kitchen but can be used as a beauty product too – great little multitasker!

It’s a good everyday moisturizer for your body.

How Much Should I Be Using & How Often?

I tend to opt for a generous dollop of coconut oil twice a day. A little goes a long way, so make sure you’re covered without being totally smothered!

Typically, the oil will be in solid form, especially in winter. You can easily start to rub it onto your skin as your body temperature warms it to a liquid state. Use circular motions to cover the desired area, as this also boosts circulation. Coconut oil takes a few minutes to dry, so allow yourself time in the morning so you don’t end up getting stuck to your clothes!

Twice a day is enough to start improving the condition of your skin. If this is too much commitment, even using it just once a day will leave you feeling softer and more supple within no time.

Lucy Bee Coconut Oil Can Also Be Used For Dandruff?

Dandruff is something that a lot of people will experience at some point in their lives. Roughly 50% of the population, by some estimates.

Sure, it’s unpleasant and can be embarrassing, but there are now more ways to deal with it than ever before.

Dandruff can have several causes, including oily skin, hair care habits and some medical conditions. A dry scalp can also cause flakes that look like dandruff.

What Causes Dandruff ?

Dandruff can be the result of a number of issues, including dry skin, stress and infections. For some types of dandruff, a more permanent solution is needed to eliminate it. If it’s an ongoing problem accompanied with any other unpleasant side effects, it’s worth seeing your doctor.

If your scalp is simply dry, moisturizing can help. For true dandruff, the American Academy of Dermatology suggests starting with a dandruff shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole or coal tar.

Dry scalps can also be caused by sun exposure, so look after yourself in the heat with sun lotion, hats, water and plenty of shade!

Oily skin can also contribute to dandruff, which is why some people find heavy oils make their flakes worse.

Can Coconut Oil Help?

Coconut oil can moisturize a dry scalp.

If your flakes come from dry skin, coconut oil can soften them and help your scalp feel less tight.

If your flakes don’t improve after a few weeks, or your scalp is red and itchy, see a dermatologist.

How Do I Use Coconut Oil For Dandruff?

Using coconut oil as a deep conditioner is a great way to add a boost of hydration to your daily routine. Weekly treatments can make a huge difference. I choose to apply coconut oil to my scalp and hair and leave it on for an hour or so. I do it overnight if I have enough time.

Make sure to rinse it out thoroughly as it can leave hair feeling a little greasy. You can also wrap the hair in clingfilm during the treatment to heat it up and lock in moisture – kinda like a spa treatment but with Netflix and pyjamas!

The Best Of The Rest

Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil – Sky Organics 16.9 oz

Sky Organics have made a name for themselves, being successful in producing 100% organic and fair trade products. Their products are handcrafted in small batches and are never tested on animals, which is wonderfully reassuring.

This product makes the perfect moisturizer for your face or entire body.

It’s organic, cold-pressed and unrefined, so ticks all those boxes.

The coconuts are also sourced from highly reputable farms and their products are packed full of nourishing and beneficial organic ingredients, making them a standout brand! It’s also certified Kosher, Cruelty-Free and Fairtrade, which I love.

Their organic extra virgin coconut oil is versatile for cooking and as a skin moisturizer. Claims that coconut oil boosts metabolism or digestion are not well supported.

A versatile oil, it can be used for the skin and hair or for cooking and baking.

Coconut oil can stand in for butter in lots of cake recipes, though both are high in saturated fat.

Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil – 54 Ounce

This oil is a great hair conditioner for a natural, healthy sheen for your hair while also great as a full body moisturizer and perfect for massage.

Now we’re talking!

Island Fresh produce their coconut oil products by using traditional methods of oil extraction, which is what you should be looking for!

They cold press their coconuts, keep temperatures low and pride themselves on having a strict no-refinement policy.

This helps the oil keep its natural coconut flavor and aroma.

This brand has earned great customer feedback and a reliable reputation thanks to their Island Fresh Superior Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.

It’s a popular choice for cooking, oil pulling and hair treatments.

Coconut Oil For Skin Care

Honeydew makes a pure fractionated coconut oil sold for hair and skin care.

It’s also an ideal full body massage oil.

It has aromatherapy properties and is paraben-free as well as cruelty-free, so use it with a totally clear conscience!

SheaMoisture 15 oz 100% Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Last but not least, shea’s oil is perfect for all hair types and provides protection and restores moisture to the skin.

A great option, even this far down the list!

Oil For Babies & Cradle Cap

Cradle cap shows up as greasy, yellowish or flaky patches on a baby’s scalp.

The NHS advice on cradle cap suggests lightly massaging an emollient or coconut oil onto the scalp to help loosen the scales, then gently brushing and washing with baby shampoo. It also warns against peanut oil, because of the allergy risk, and olive oil.

Both refined and virgin coconut oil can work for this. Refined oil has no coconut smell, while virgin oil keeps its natural aroma.

Nutiva Organic – Virgin Coconut Oil from Fresh(15 & 78 Fluid Ounces)

Nutiva is one of the leading brands in organic coconut, chia, hemp, and red palm superfoods within the US. Nutiva also make one of the top selling coconut oils.

Totally organic and non-GMO, this oil is also Kosher and non-hydrogenated.

This product can be used for skin, hair, nails and cooking or baking, or anything you fancy!

This is a top-selling coconut oil in many countries and some of the great aspects this brand brings to their product include the fact that they are USDA Organic and non-GMO.

Their coconut oil works for baking, cooking, and body and hair care.

This product has a more subdued coconut taste than most, so if you’re looking for something slightly more subtle and don’t want to go around smelling like a coconut than Nutiva is a great choice.

Can Nutiva Organic Help With Cradle Cap?

It can help.

Coconut oil can help loosen the scales so they brush away more easily.

I like this oil for moms as a plain product to use on their baby’s scalp and skin.

Whatever you choose, pick a plain product without added fragrance for your baby’s skin.

How Do I Use It To Treat Cradle Cap?

When applying coconut oil to babies scalp a very small amount will do. Gently rub it into his or her scalp and let it soak in for a little while.

After 20 minutes or so just take a very soft baby brush or a gentle baby cloth. Slowly work it into the dry flaky areas.

Then, wash the coconut oil off using a very mild baby shampoo.

You don’t want to leave coconut oil on the scalp without washing it off as the cradle cap may be caused by an overactive sebaceous gland.

Sebum is an oily substance, so you don’t want to add any extra oils and risk making the problem worse.

You’ll find that, eventually, the scales loosen and come away. Don’t pick at the crusts, as this can increase the chance of infection.

You can also use a very soft brush to help lift and remove the flakes.

​You can continue to do this every two days until it completely disappears.

See your doctor if the cradle cap spreads, looks infected or worries you.

Why Choose Refined Coconut Oil For Your Hair?

Refined coconut oil is just what it says on the tin. Refined means that dried coconut meat, known as copra, goes through a high-heat steaming process, being bleached and deodorized.

Refined coconut oil has a similar fatty acid makeup to virgin oil. The big difference for hair is the smell.

Both refined and virgin coconut oil have the same fatty acid composition. For hair, there is little reason to think virgin coconut oil works better than refined. Refined oil is very easy to use and can work in a variety of different ways depending on your hair’s needs.

Most people apply it to their hair before bed, wrap it up in a towel and let it works its magic overnight. In the morning, you simply wash it out and the result is silky soft natural hair!

You can apply a little for shine after you’ve styled your hair or you can use it as a conditioner right after you’ve shampooed in the shower. Just be careful you don’t go overboard, as you don’t want your hair to look greasy.

Refined coconut oil is a simple, low-odor way to condition your hair.

What Refined Coconut Oil Should I Choose?

When choosing your refined coconut oil, you want to pick one that has been processed with the least number of chemicals and one that’s not partially hydrogenated. Refined coconut oil will have no aroma, so you won’t have to go around with that tell-tale coconuty smell.

You want to make sure when you’re hunting for your coconut oil that it’s certified organic. It should also be non-GMO, steam-refined and doesn’t use any harsh chemicals.

Nutiva Refined Coconut Oil

My favourite brand is the Nutiva Refined Organic Coconut Oil.

It ticks all my boxes, and Nutiva offers it in glass jars if you prefer.

It’s a good refined coconut oil for natural hair.

Conclusion

Coconut oil works well as a moisturizer for skin and hair, and lab studies show it can reduce protein loss from hair.

More importantly, the consumers have spoken, giving real life accounts of how delighted they were with the health of their skin and hair after using these products, and I can’t blame them!

People with oily or acne-prone skin may want to skip it on the face, but for dry skin and hair, many people find it a useful moisturizer.

Try a good quality coconut oil on your skin and hair, and keep it to moderate amounts in your diet.

Sources

• Coconut Oil, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, The Nutrition Source
• Hair Oils: Indigenous Knowledge Revisited, International Journal of Trichology (PMC)
• Cradle cap, NHS
• How to treat dandruff, American Academy of Dermatology