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42 Real-Life Uses for Coconut Oil Beyond the Kitchen

ByJessica Knowles Reading Time: 4 minutes

Discover the versatile wonders of coconut oil! Explore its myriad uses, from skincare secrets to health benefits for you and your pets.

A cracked open coconut with a jar of coconut oil and a spoon.

Coconut Oil. It’s like heaven in a jar. I use coconut oil for everything, not only for its healing properties, moisturizing abilities, and healthy fats, but you have got to love that smell. I thought it would be fun to make a list of all of the uses for coconut oil.

Coconut oil has earned its place as a versatile superstar, transcending beyond the confines of beauty routines. While its heavenly scent and moisturizing prowess are undeniable, the uses of coconut oil extend far beyond what meets the eye. In this blog post, we’re diving into the myriad ways coconut oil can transform your body care, health, and even benefit your furry friends.

Some you may have already known about, but some may just surprise you.

Coconut Oil on the Body

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science showed that coconut oil is able to penetrate the hair shaft because of its fatty acid structure. Another study in the Journal of International Dermatology found that coconut oil improves skin barrier function. Coconut oil is antibacterial and antimicrobial, making it perfect for health and beauty.

  • Fades age spots
  • Heals skin and reduces irritation after shaving
  • Supports cell regeneration to help regrow balding hair
  • Reduces swelling and redness from bruises
  • Stops itching from bug bits
  • Softens chapped lips
  • Eliminates cradle cap
  • Controls dandruff
  • Can be used as a deodorant (especially with some baking soda mixed in)
  • Natural bum cream
  • Mix with sea salt or sugar to exfoliate
  • Reduces under-eye wrinkles, puffiness, and redness
  • Amazing leave-in conditioner
  • Protects and speeds healing of cuts and scrapes (as well as canker sores)
  • Removes makeup
  • A great alternative to lotion for moisturizing
  • Soothing for nursing mothers and safe for baby
  • Cuts down on stretch marks
  • Sunburn relief
  • When mixed with garlic oil, it can repair swimmer’s ear

Coconut Oil in the Body

I know what you’re thinking. Oil means fat. Fat is bad. Not all fats and oils are created equally. Coconut oil contains a lot of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are metabolized by the body differently than many other fats. In fact, the fat content of coconut oil can actually boost your energy.

  • May increase the milk supply of nursing mothers
  • Aids in the absorption of calcium and magnesium leading to better bones and teeth
  • Aids in digestion problems such as IBS
  • Helps you absorb major nutrients more effectively
  • Energy supplement: boosts energy and endurance
  • Fitness supplement: stimulates your metabolism, thyroid function, and energy levels
  • Calms nausea
  • Prevents nose bleeds

Be sure to also check out oil pulling.

Coconut oil can easily be consumed right out of the jar, but some people have an aversion to the taste and/or texture. There are supplements available if that’s the route you prefer to go.

Coconut Oil for the Pets

If you think coconut oil did wonders with your hair, skin, digestion, and overall wellness, you should see what it can do for your pussy cat and pooch.

Additional Uses for Coconut Oil

Frequently Asked Questions

Organic ensures fewer pesticides, but both organic and non-organic coconut oils have similar health benefits. The choice depends on personal preferences and values.

Cold-pressed indicates that the oil was extracted without the use of heat, preserving more nutrients and flavors. It’s a common term for high-quality coconut oil.

If it’s a high-quality, food-grade coconut oil, it’s generally safe for skincare. Just make sure it’s free from additives or preservatives.

If you’ve found value in this blog post and enjoyed reading it, why not share it with your Pinterest community? Pin the image below and spread the love!

A Pinterest-friendly graphic explaining the multiple uses of coconut oil.

So, there you have it—coconut oil isn’t just a beauty trend. It’s a multi-tasking miracle! From pampering your skin to boosting your health and giving your pets a wellness upgrade, that jar of coconut goodness is a game-changer.

Did I miss any uses for coconut oil?  Comment below if you have more ideas.

Owner, Writer at The 104 Homesteader

A gifted writer and long-time Maine homesteader, Jessica is here to share her knowledge and expertise. Jessica can help you homestead successfully on your piece of land. You can rely on her advice and tips since she has been engaged in small-scale farming and self-sufficiency for over a decade. In her downtime, Jessica loves to take her boys on hikes or spend time with her Coturnix quail coveys. She also loves caring for her goats and garden. Jessica will show you how it's done so you can thrive on your homestead.

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12 Comments

  1. When you feel a cold sore coming on your lip (herpes) I apply coconut oil 5 or 6 times a day and it goes within 2 or 3 days often not even turning into that nasty scabby phase.
    Coconut oil is also a mild sun cream – it is naturally SPF4!
    And of course I use it for oil pulling.
    And I use it in the place of butter or margerine on toast with marmite (you might have to be British to know what I’m talking about!)

    Reply
  2. Anna Gibson says:

    It also helps to untangle hair. I have really fine hair and it tangles all by itself! Brush one side, return to the other side and it’s tangled. Brush out that side, go back to the first side and it’s tangled. Can’t win for losing. I recently bought a coconut conditioner for my hair (put on after showering, while hair is still wet)…my hair brushed right out like it was nothing. No tangles! Okay..there were a few tangles but nothing like it was before. Instead of a handful of hair afterwards, there were just a few strands in the brush. Yeehaw!

    Reply
    1. Anna Gibson says:

      Forgot to mention the name. Purchased @ Walgreen’s. OGX is the brand name & is an ‘anti-breakage’ serum. and it says “Beauty pure and simply” under the OGX name.

      Reply
    2. Jessica Lane says:

      I might have to have my daughter try this. She has baby fine hair. I have the exact opposite. I do add a bit of oil to my hair when it’s dry to tame the crazy course curls.

      Reply

  3. Could you please bring some of your product when you next come to Beleura Clinic as I tried some from a friend in here and I would like to purchase some. Please let me know when you’re coming in so I can be here. Thankyou.

    Reply
  4. andrea warren says:

    I have to admit my sun spots AKA age spots are getting lighter and I had no idea it was the coconut oil I was slathering all over my body:)

    Reply

    1. Awesome! Nothing beats a real-life testimony 🙂

      Reply
  5. PolishedWay S says:

    Such amazing ideas. I bought coconut oil once and spread it on toast. Gag that was gross. I like your other uses much better.

    Reply

    1. Yes, definitely better in food than on food. It’s one of those things that doesn’t taste as good as it smells 🙂

      Reply

  6. Interesting but before I move forward with trying for the uses suggested do you have a brand name of oil. What does fda.gov say about it. etc. Thanks for you suggestions but a brand would be appreciated.

    Reply

    1. Thank you Hal for your awesome questions. Any brand will work so long as it’s unrefined. The refining process often destroys many of the beneficial elements in the oil. The FDA determined coconut oil to be safe in 1975 and as of recently, more and more research is being conducted to narrow down specifically what makes it so beneficial. Here is a great video I found regarding the use of coconut oil: It explains that it isn’t a miracle oil, but it definitely can impact your health.

      Reply

    2. I love Trader Joe’s Organic, Virgin Coconut oil. It is the best! Cold pressed and unrefined.

      Reply