If you haven’t noticed it already, coconut oil is having a bit of a moment the world over. This miracle product has been used since time immemorial by South Asian women, and now the rest of the world is embracing this potent oil for the many health, beauty, and general wellness benefits it offers.
Virgin coconut oil is extracted from the fruit of fresh coconuts without using any chemicals or high temperatures. Coconut oil is considered a solid fat that is high in saturated fat. It also contains vitamins K and E, iron, and phenolic compounds that give it antioxidant properties.1
Why Use Coconut Oil Products?
- The antioxidants in coconut oil slow down cellular aging and the appearance of wrinkles.2
- The high content of fat in coconut oil makes it an excellent emollient, removing dead skin cells and nourishes new cells. It also helps moisturize skin.3
- Coconut oil also has antibacterial properties that keep off bacteria and help in treating acne and other skin ailments.4
- It has excellent moisturizing and cleansing effects on the skin too.5 6
- Coconut oil can also act as a mild sunscreen.7
Because of all these properties, coconut oil is a potent ingredient in dozens of DIY personal care products that can help you lead a healthier, happier, and holistic lifestyle.
Here, we’ll take a look at some amazing products you can make for yourself and your family right at home, all with a humble jar of coconut oil. But first, a few pointers.
Coconut oil’s versatility as an ingredient means that you’re on your way to becoming a DIY expert. But before you start, keep these things in mind.
- For all of the recipes below, make sure you use 100% organic extra-virgin coconut oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined. That way you get all the rich nutrients from the oil since no heat is used for extraction.
- You’ll also want to make sure that your coconut oil is slightly softened – not completely hard and not completely liquidy – before you start mixing it with other ingredients in each recipe.
- You’ll notice that many of these recipes call for essential oils, but they’re completely optional in each recipe. Popular essential oils that go well with coconut oil-based products include lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, tea tree oil, chamomile, lemon, orange, and vetiver.
Okay, so let’s jump right in…
1. Coconut Oil Body Butter
Blend 1 cup of coconut oil (softened but not liquidy) and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil in a large bowl using a handheld blender or stand mixer for about 10 minutes until the mix is fluffy and light. Then, fold in about 6 drops of an essential oil of your choice. Store in a glass or ceramic container.
Apply as needed but remember, a little goes a long way. Use this body butter to combat dry skin on your hands, feet, knees, elbows, and anywhere else that needs some moisturizing SOS. This simple concoction will hydrate and replenish your skin so you look and feel like a million bucks!8
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Essential oils are used for their calming and relaxing properties. Most essential oils have antibacterial and antiseptic properties too.
- Vitamin E oil helps to retain water and keep the skin hydrated. It also has an anti-ageing effect on the skin.9
2. Coconut Oil Shaving Cream
In a large bowl melt 1/2 cup of coconut oil and 1/2 cup of shea butter over medium heat. Turn off the heat and add 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil. Put the mix in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes or until firm.
Take the bowl out of the fridge and add about 1 tbsp aloe vera gel to the mix. Whip the mixture with a handheld mixer until it’s light and creamy. Transfer to a glass container and use when needed. Not only will you experience an ultra smooth shave, you’ll notice silky smooth skin afterward.
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Shea butter is rich in fatty acids and natural antioxidants, making it a popular ingredient in moisturizing products. The moisturizers in shea butter are just like those in our sebaceous glands and that makes shea butter a superior moisturizer with powerful skin protectant properties.10
- Aloe vera gel is antibacterial and antifungal. It can take care of many skin problems and help wounds heal faster.11
- Sweet orange essential oil rejuvenates the skin and can help in healing after-sun wrinkles, dermatitis, eczema, and oily skin problems. Sweet orange essential oil may sometimes be a skin irritant so please make sure that it agrees with your skin.12
3. Coconut Oil Hand Soap
In a large pot, boil 3 liters of distilled water. Add 1 bar grated Castile bar soap to the boiling water. Stir the mix until the soap completely dissolves. Remove the pot from heat and allow it to cool and thicken over 8–12 hours. Add 2 tbsp of coconut oil, 2 tbsp of jojoba oil, and 10–12 drops of almond essential oil. Mix the concoction well using an electric mixer. Pour the moisturizing hand wash into a soap dispenser bottle. Caution: you’ll love the way your hands feel and smell each time you wash them!13
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Jojoba oil is used in skincare products for its moisturizing and soothing properties. It also has antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.14
- Almond oil has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties, among others. It can soothe and smooth the skin and is a popular ingredient in skincare products that improve skin tone.15
4. Coconut Oil Face And Body Scrub
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of melted or softened coconut oil, 1 cup of granulated sugar, juice and zest of 1 lime, and 1 tsp of honey. Combine well with a wooden spoon until the mixture has a consistency that you can slather on your skin. You can substitute lime with 2 tbsp of grapefruit juice too. Store in pretty mason jars or plastic tubs and use on your face and body in circular motions before you shower.
What The Other Ingredients Do
- The sugar will help exfoliate dead skin cells.
- The honey (just like the coconut oil) will condition and moisturize your skin.
- The lime will energize you.16
5. Coconut Oil Cellulite Cream
Conquer your cellulite with a highly effective coffee-coconut oil scrub. Mix together 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1/4 cup ground coffee, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup raw brown sugar, and 1 tbsp sea salt to make a paste and store in a glass jar. Massage the paste onto the affected areas for several minutes.
While there are no scientific studies proving that coconut oil helps combat cellulite, many skin experts claim that the medium-chain fatty acids contained in coconut oil help eliminate fatty deposits that cause cellulite.
What The Other Ingredients Do
- The caffeine reduces cellulite and the ground coffee exfoliates the skin, making it smooth. Also, the antioxidants in this mixture dilate blood vessels and improve circulation.17
- Olive oil is rich in vitamin E and that makes it an excellent ingredient for cosmetic and anti-aging products.18
6. Coconut Oil Bath Bombs
Pamper yourself in the bath with these amazing coconut oil bath bombs. To start, combine 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup citric acid, and 1 cup Epsom salt. In another bowl, take 4 tbsp of coconut oil and add about 1 tsp of water. You can add 2 tbsp of an essential oil of your choice. If you want to add more than one essential oil, you can do that too. Add both in equal proportions.
Now add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, 1 tbsp at a time to avoid too much fizz so early in the process. Whisk the ingredients thoroughly so that everything blends well and there are no dry clumps left. You can squish the dry parts with your hand and whisk again for the perfect consistency. Pack the mixture tightly into molds now and press hard to get out any excess air. Allow the molds to dry sufficiently. Finally, remove from molds and store in an airtight container beside your tub. Next time you’re ready for a long bath, add one of these bath bombs to the tub for a calming, relaxing experience.19
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Baking soda is a strong cleaning agent while Epsom salt is an efficient exfoliator, making both important ingredients of the bath bomb. Further, magnesium, a constituent of Epsom salt, is a natural muscle relaxant and antidepressant.20
- Citric acid improves soap’s water softening and foaming qualities. It is found naturally in lemons and lime, and helps control bacterial overgrowth.21
7. Coconut Oil Hair Mask/Conditioner
There are dozens of ways you can use coconut oil as a hair mask. Some of our favorites include:
Coconut Oil And Avocado Treatment: Heat 1 tbsp of coconut oil for about 10 seconds and massage it into your hair, root to tip. Mash an avocado by hand or in a food processor or until you have a smooth paste. Apply the avocado paste on only the tips of your hair and let it sit for 10–15 minutes. Rinse your hair with cool water and shampoo as usual. This treatment can get rid of dandruff and flakes, and protect the hair from sun damage as well. Repeat once every week.
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Avocado contains monosaturated fatty acids, vitamin E, and phytosterols, all of which are great for hair. It helps to protect hair from environmental stress and damage, and stimulates new growth.22
Coconut Oil, Argan Oil, And Shea Butter Conditioner: Take 2 tbsp of coconut oil and 1 tbsp of shea butter in a small bowl and place it over medium heat. Melt the two oils together, stirring occasionally. Use a double boiler if you have one. Remove from heat and allow the mix to cool for 3–5 minutes. Now add 1 tsp of argan oil and stir. Refrigerate the mixture for about 20 minutes until it begins to set. Whisk the mixture now until it’s frothy. Dab on your scalp in gentle, pressing motions and comb through it. Cover with a shower cap and let it stay that way for about 30 minutes. Shampoo your hair as usual after this.
What The Other Ingredients Do
- While the shea butter soothes dry scalps and smoothes split ends, the argan oil controls frizz.23
Coconut Oil, Honey, And Egg Hair Mask: Melt 2 tbsp of coconut oil and whisk in 2 tbsp of honey. In another bowl, whisk an egg. Add the coconut oil and honey mixture to the egg, whisking until thoroughly combined. The mix is ready and you can apply it on dry hair. Massage it into your hair and scalp. You can even cover your head with a shower cap and leave the mixture overnight. When ready, rinse out the shampoo for lustrous, silky hair. You can use a gentle shampoo if you want to.24 25
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Eggs are rich in protein and help to strengthen hair follicles, making the hair less prone to develop split ends.26
8. Coconut Oil Deodorant
Keep your armpits healthy, moisturized, and smelling fresh with this highly effective shea butter/coconut oil deodorant. Heat a mix of 1/2 cup shea butter and 1/2 cup coconut oil in a small saucepan until completely melted. Remove from heat, add 1/2 cup baking soda and 1/2 cup arrowroot powder. Combine well. Add a few drops essential oil (optional) and pour into a container where it should harden over time.
Dab this deodorant on your armpits after a shower in the morning and say goodbye to body odor. Do remember to let it dry fully before you dress so there are no oil stains on your clothes.27 28
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Arrowroot has oil absorbing powers and is an effective antiperspirant.29
9. Coconut Oil Lip Balm
Coconut oil can work wonders as a lip balm in both winters and summers. Melt 1 tsp coconut oil and 1 tsp grated beeswax in a double boiler. Add 1/8 tsp vitamin E oil to the mix. Once melted, remove from heat and add 1/8 tsp of vanilla extract. Pour the liquid into little tiny lip balm jars and allow to set before closing it. Use as needed to heal chapped or dry lips.30 31
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Besides being antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, beeswax creates a protective layer on the skin and traps moisture inside.32 Beeswax contains vitamin A which is necessary for cell development. In fact, it aids cellular reconstruction while hydrating and softening the skin.33
10. Coconut Oil Toothpaste And Mouthwash
Since it has antimicrobial properties, coconut oil can be your BFF when it comes to oral hygiene and wellness.
Toothpaste: Combine 3 tbsp of coconut oil, 3 tbsp of baking soda, and 10–15 drops of peppermint essential oil. Store in a jar and use just as you would toothpaste. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, add 5 drops of clove oil as well.34
What The Other Ingredients Do
- Peppermint oil is a stimulant for the nervous system and a relaxant for the digestive tract. However, peppermint oil should not be used near babies or young children as it can cause hypersensitive reactions.35
- Clove oil works as an antiseptic and also reduces pain. It is a strong antimicrobial. Clove oil can be a skin irritant too and should be sparingly used in skin products.36
Oil-Pulling Mouthwash: Swish 1 tbsp of coconut oil around your mouth for about 5 minutes just like you would a mouthwash. Fully using your cheeks and tongue, make sure the oil is passing in between and around your teeth. Once done, spit it out into your trash can (not sink). This ancient Ayurvedic practice breaks down cavity-causing mouth bacteria, guards against yeast infections, and prevents gum disease. It is, in fact, recommended for maintaining good overall oral hygiene.37
If there ever was a product poised to be a cure-all, coconut oil would be it. This elixir is an effective and affordable way to stay healthy and improve overall wellness. Start by using some of these simple, pure, all-natural products at home and you’ll soon find yourself wondering how you went so long without some coconut oil magic in your life!
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