Coconut oil has become a popular skin care ingredient in recent years. Many people tout its moisturizing and antibacterial properties. However, coconut oil may not be suitable for everyone’s skin. Here’s a look at who should avoid using coconut oil on the face.
People with acne-prone skin
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. This makes it a poor choice for those with acne-prone skin. Studies show coconut oil can exacerbate acne in people already prone to breakouts.
One study found that coconut oil and olive oil, when applied to the skin for 2 hours, caused a significant increase in the number of blocked pores, compared to mineral oil. The researchers concluded that coconut oil is ‘very comedogenic’.
Another study tested 52 different oils and plant extracts for their potential to cause acne based on their fatty acid content. Coconut oil scored a 4 out of 5 based on its high amounts of lauric acid, a fatty acid linked to increased acne risk.
If you have acne-prone or oily skin, it’s best to avoid putting coconut oil directly on your face. The oil can get trapped in pores and cause whiteheads, blackheads, and inflammatory breakouts.
People with sensitive skin
Coconut oil is not always well tolerated by those with sensitive skin. The highly saturated nature of coconut oil means it can disrupt the skin’s protective barrier.
One study had participants with mild to moderately sensitive skin apply coconut oil twice daily for 2 weeks. More than half experienced irritation from the coconut oil, reporting stinging or burning sensations.
Coconut oil also has a comedogenic effect which can clog pores and lead to redness and inflammation. If you have sensitive skin that’s easily aggravated, coconut oil may cause unwanted reactions.
People with oily skin
As mentioned earlier, coconut oil is highly comedogenic. This makes it a poor choice if you struggle with excess oil production.
Not only can coconut oil clog your pores, it may encourage your skin to produce even more oil. Many experts advise those with oily skin to avoid coconut oil.
One small study had participants with oily skin use coconut oil as a moisturizer for 4 weeks. They experienced a significant increase in skin oil secretions over the trial period.
So coconut oil may exacerbate oily skin. Look for non-comedogenic oils or lotions if you want hydration without increasing greasiness.
People allergic to coconut
It may seem obvious, but those with a coconut allergy should avoid putting coconut oil on their face. Coconut allergies can lead to mild to severe reactions.
Signs of a coconut allergy include hives, swelling, redness, cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Anaphylaxis is possible in rare cases.
Given the seriousness of these potential reactions, it’s critical those with a coconut allergy avoid contact with the oil.
People prone to milia
Milia are small white bumps that form when dead skin cells become trapped beneath the skin’s surface. Milia are not harmful but can be frustrating from a cosmetic standpoint.
The comedogenicity and pore-clogging potential of coconut oil makes it more likely to cause milia around the eyes and on the cheeks. It’s best avoided by those prone to these annoying bumps.
People living in humid climates
Coconut oil may feel nice and moisturizing at first. But it can quickly go rancid in hot and humid conditions.
The saturated fats in coconut oil oxidize when exposed to heat, moisture, and sunlight. This causes coconut oil to go bad faster compared to other oils.
Rancid coconut oil loses any skin benefits and can smell unpleasant. The free radicals released as the oil spoils may also damage skin over time.
If you live somewhere hot and humid, look for facial oils with greater stability, like jojoba or argan oil.
People who wear makeup
Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it can break down makeup and cause it to slip and slide off your face.
The emollient nature of coconut oil also makes it a poor primer under makeup. Silicone-based primers are better for filling in lines and creating a smooth base.
Coconut oil may also cause eye makeup like mascara to smudge or run. Those who wear makeup regularly are better off using oils lower on the comedogenic scale.
People with ocular rosacea
Ocular rosacea is an inflammatory condition that affects the eyes. Symptoms include redness, burning, stinging, and eyelid inflammation.
Coconut oil should be avoided by those with ocular rosacea. The oil’s comedogenic effects can worsen irritation and inflammation of the delicate eye area.
In one small study of patients with blepharitis, an eyelid inflammation disorder, applying coconut oil aggravated symptoms in 68% of participants.
People prone to malassezia folliculitis
Malassezia folliculitis is a fungal infection of hair follicles caused by the yeast Malassezia. It leads to small, itchy red bumps on the face, back, and chest.
Coconut oil may exacerbate this condition due to its large amounts of the fatty acid lauric acid. Lauric acid may increase growth of Malassezia yeast.
One study found patients with malassezia folliculitis improved when they stopped using products high in lauric acid. Avoiding coconut oil may help prevent flare-ups.
People with atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It’s characterized by red, intensely itchy rashes.
Studies suggest coconut oil may worsen atopic dermatitis in some people. This seems especially true if a coconut allergy is present.
One study had pediatric patients with atopic dermatitis use virgin coconut oil on the skin for 8 weeks. More than half experienced aggravated symptoms and had to discontinue use of the oil.
If you have eczema or very dry, sensitive skin, use coconut oil cautiously. Monitor for increased redness, burning, or itching.
People with seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis causes red, scaly patches along the scalp, nose, brow area, ears, and body folds. Its exact cause is unknown.
Some research indicates malnutrition, stress, hormones, and genetics may play a role. Yeast also appears to be involved.
Coconut oil is not recommended for seborrheic dermatitis due to its lauric acid content. Lauric acid may encourage growth of problem yeast like Malassezia.
One study found seborrheic dermatitis patients improved when avoiding products high in lauric acid. Stick to low-comedogenic oils like mineral, jojoba, or hemp seed oil instead.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is not necessarily a good choice for everyone. There are quite a few circumstances in which coconut oil should be avoided for skin health.
It’s critical those with acne, sensitive skin, oily skin, or a coconut allergy avoid using coconut oil. It may worsen breakouts, redness, and irritation.
Coconut oil also tends to feel unpleasant and go rancid quickly in hot, humid climates. Makeup wearers may not like how it dissolves products.
Those prone to fungal infections, atopic dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and eye inflammation should also refrain from using coconut oil. It may exacerbate these conditions.
When in doubt, consult your dermatologist before trying coconut oil. They can assess your skin type and condition to determine if coconut oil is appropriate.
There are plenty of non-comedogenic, stable, anti-inflammatory oils to try instead, like jojoba, olive, apricot kernel, or hemp seed.
Do a patch test if you want to try coconut oil. And stop using it if you notice increased breakouts, redness, or irritation after several days.
While coconut oil works beautifully for some people, it’s not a good DIY skincare option for everyone. Know your skin type and choose your oils wisely.
| Skin Type/Condition | Use Coconut Oil? |
|---|---|
| Acne-prone | Avoid |
| Sensitive | Use cautiously |
| Oily | Avoid |
| Coconut allergy | Avoid |
| Prone to milia | Avoid |
| Humid climate | Avoid |
| Makeup wearer | Avoid |
| Ocular rosacea | Avoid |
| Malassezia folliculitis | Avoid |
| Atopic dermatitis | Use cautiously |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Avoid |