With over 180,000 videos on TikTok, coconut oil is, no doubt, having a moment. The beauty of this buzzy ingredient is that it has multiple benefits (even for your hair!) — and believe it or not, coconut oil can also be used on the skin.
"Coconut oil is a great overall moisturizer for the skin and has been shown to support a healthy skin microbiome," says Dr. Brooke Jeffy, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN. "It is also rich in antioxidants that help the skin fight damage induced by free radicals, which reduces inflammation and may boost collagen," she explains.
Along with Jeffy, we spoke with another board-certified dermatologist as well as a celebrity esthetician to help us curate a list of the best coconut oils for skin on the market. I [Wise] also included a trusted coconut oil-based body butter that I swear by.
Keep scrolling for a complete rundown of the best expert-recommended and editor-tested coconut oils to shop right now — starting at only $9.
The best expert- and editor-recommended coconut oils
Most budget friendly:
"This company is so cool because it partners with organic farmers," shares celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa, Kristin Gunn. "You are always getting fresh, organic, non-GMO oil. They also use an all-natural cold-press extraction process," she explains.
"Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil is great for skin care!" raves Dr. Noah Gratch, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City. "This coconut oil helps soften the skin and keep it moisturized throughout the day. The oil’s packaging is in a BPA-free container, which makes it healthier for your skin," he explains.
Editor favorite:
I [Wise] recently received samples of the Kapuluan coconut oil products and was an instant fan. This Coconut Body Butter is my absolute favorite as it is extremely soft on my skin and smells lovely. This hydrating cream feels great on my sensitive skin, and I have no plans to stop using it anytime soon.
Other satisfied Amazon customers speak to the richness of the product, and say it is ideal for dry skin.
Great for sensitive skin:
This All Good Coconut Oil is a favorite of Gunn’s due to its amazing quality. “It is handcrafted in small batches, and some have essential oils like lavender and lemongrass,” she notes.
This vegan oil is super moisturizing, great for sensitive skin and absorbs easily, according to the brand.
Expert pick for dry skin:
“Sky Organics is great for dry and flaky skin,” suggests Gratch. “This product helps keep the skin hydrated without leaving a greasy look. Sky Organics focuses on their own sustainability efforts,” he continues.
“The oil is pure, organic and contains many antioxidants which can help reduce wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. This oil is chemical-free which is great for those with sensitive skin and can be used on many different skin types,” Gratch explains.
Contains organic ingredients:
"This coconut oil is easy to find, affordable and is extremely hydrating. They use pure, organic, fair-trade ingredients," Gunn says.
Gratch loves this specific coconut oil for its high-quality and organic ingredients. "Dr. Bronner’s Coconut Oil is cold-pressed and produced sustainably which makes it eco-friendly. The texture of the oil is rich and smooth which makes it a great product for moisturizing and soothing dry skin," he suggests.
Formulated with goat milk:
“Infused with goat milk and coconut oil, this luxurious body cream offers rich hydration while soothing dry skin,” suggests Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York City. “The whipped texture glides on effortlessly, leaving your skin soft, smooth, and lightly scented,” she explains.
Splurge option:
"I’m a firm believer in sunscreen year-round, and I use this SPF from Kopari for my body from January to December," says editorial assistant Madison San Miguel. "As someone who switches her routine by season, that just shows the product is that good! The sunscreen is more so a body oil, containing a mix of coconut, macadamia and avocado oils to deeply moisturize," she explains.
"While it might seem scary to apply a body oil right before you put on your clothes, I find that it dries weekly and maintains its moisture all-day," San Miguel suggests. "Plus, it leaves a stunning glow and shimmer I love. I personally love the Golden Amber shade because it’s a great tan enhancer, but they have other finishes that are just as great," she shares.
How does coconut oil benefit the skin?
It's time to get nutty — coconut-ty. Sara Hallajian, a trichologist certified by the International Association of Trichologists, previously told Shop TODAY that coconut oil is a natural oil extracted from the meat of mature coconuts and is rich in fatty acids, particularly lauric acid.
Speaking of lauric acid, Gratch tells us, “Coconut oil contains antibacterial and antifungal components due to lauric acid which can reduce bacteria and fungi and can help reduce cuts, wounds and infections." (However, if you're experiencing a skin infection, it's best to see your doctor for medical instructions.)
He continues, “Coconut oil can also be used as a cleanser to remove makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils."
Gunn also points out that coconut oil contains linoleic acid, which is "an amazing hydrator." She says that it's "great for dry and combination skin and will help repair the skin barrier."
On the other hand, Gunn advises those with oily or acne prone skin to avoid using coconut oil as it can clog pores and contribute to acne.
What to look for in a coconut oil for skin
When searching for a coconut oil for skin, Gratch says it is important to look for high-quality products and ingredients. "Virgin or extra virgin coconut oil maintains many natural antioxidants, vitamins, and saturated fats which are great for the skin," he suggests.
"Organic coconut oil is free of pesticides and chemicals making it have high-quality ingredients for the skin without using GMOs," states Gratch. "In coconut oil, it is important to look for an oil that does not contain additives, preservatives or fragrances because this can irritate the skin," he notes.
Gunn recommends pure, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. "This type of coconut oil doesn’t use heat in the preparation process, so it retains more of its nutrients." she explains.
Frequently asked questions
You can use coconut oil on your face, but Gratch says it depends on your skin type. "If you have dry or flaky skin, it is best to use coconut oil, but if you have oily or acne-prone skin, coconut oil can clog your pores and increase more breakouts," he explains.
"Coconut oil has many antioxidant properties such as vitamin E which can protect damage to the skin," shares Gratch. "Antioxidants infused in coconut oil can hydrate and improve the elasticity of the skin," he explains.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team rounded up the best coconut oils for skin by enlisting the recommendations of two board-certified dermatologists and a celebrity esthetician. We also asked our editors to share their tried-and-true favorite coconut oil product(s) as well.
Meet the experts
- Dr. Brooke Jeffy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Scottsdale, Arizona and founder of youth skincare brand, BTWN.
- Dr. Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, New York.
- Kristin Gunn is a celebrity esthetician and owner of Halcyon Skincare and Beaux Medspa in Austin, Texas.
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS in New York City.
- Sara Hallajian is a IAT certified trichologist and owner of Ame Salon in Southern California.
