40 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

coconut oil photo via shutterstock

Derived from the meat of mature coconuts, coconut oil is uber trendy, and can be used in a variety of ways. It’s filled with antioxidants and vitamins, and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This seemingly magic potion is useful for everything from skincare to household maintenance.

Below, we found 40 ways to use coconut oil:

Hair

1. Hair Conditioner
via Health

After shampooing, use coconut oil to make your hair soft and shiny.

2. Reduce Static
via Yes Missy

Rub a small amount of coconut oil between your hands and rub it through your hair to settle static.

3. Tame Frizz and Fly-Aways
via Health

Use a little bit of coconut oil on the ends of your hair to calm frizz. If you have thicker hair, start applying at the middle of your hair and work your way down.

4. Prevent Lice
via Everyday Roots

Coconut oil may help fight lice, both as a precaution and treatment. To treat, apply coconut oil to the ends of a small toothed comb, and comb hair and scalp thoroughly.

5. Fix a Flaky Scalp
via The Beauty Gypsy

To get rid of dandruff and moisturize a dry scalp, mix coconut oil with tea tree and rosemary oils. Rub the mixture into your scalp for about five minutes, let sit, and then wash it off.

6. Get Rid of Split Ends 
via Byrdie

Rub a scoop of coconut oil from the roots of your hair to mid-shaft. Wrap your hair in a towel and put it up, waiting at least 30 minutes for the mask to take effect. Be sure to shampoo after the treatment and repeat the mask every two weeks.

7. Groom Your Beard
via Coconut Oil Cooking 

Massage coconut oil into your beard, wait 20 minutes, shampoo, and then condition. The oil will relax wild facial hair and prevent it from itching.

8. Prevent Hair Loss and Improve Hair Growth
via Hybrid Rasta Mama

By using coconut oil on your scalp, you may also be able to prevent hair loss. Simply rub it into your hair and scalp, put on a shower cap, and let it sit overnight. Repeat twice a week for best results.

Skin

9. Moisturizer
via Prevention

To soothe dry skin, simply melt some coconut oil between your hands and rub it on any dry spots. It can be used as both a face and body moisturizer, and works to prevent stretch marks.

10. Lip Balm
via Coconut Mama

By itself, coconut oil is a great lip balm. It can also be mixed with melted ingredients like beeswax and olive oil to create a more effective lip moisturizer.

11. Condition Cuticles
via Lucy Bee

Apply melted coconut oil to nails to keep cuticles soft. Try using it before a manicure, as it loosens the cuticles and allows them to be easily trimmed or pushed back.

12. Shaving Cream
via Hello Natural

Coconut oil makes a great shaving cream because it moisturizes while creating a smooth barrier for your skin. For a simple shaving cream, combine coconut oil, aloe vera, and some drops of essential oil.

13. Soothe Dry Nostrils
via Everyday Roots

Use a cotton swab to rub a small amount on the inside of each nostril, moisturizing your nose.

14. Sunburn Relief
via BlogHer 

Red, raw skin benefits greatly from a coating of coconut oil. To increase the healing factor, create an aloe vera and coconut oil mixture.

15. Natural Deodorant
via Thank Your Body

Coconut oil makes a great natural deodorant that won’t block your pores or leave white marks. This deodorant recipe combines coconut oil, baking soda, arrowroot powder, and essential oils for a fresh scent.

16. Exfoliant
via New Leaf Wellness

Get rid of dead skin with this exfoliant. The basic recipe is just coconut oil and sugar, but feel free to add fruit zest, essential oil, honey, or coffee grounds.

17. Wrinkle Prevention
via Bargain Blessings

This recipe whips together frankincense, which is also great for skin, and coconut oil to make an anti-wrinkle eye cream. The coconut oil can also be used by itself or mixed with other essential oils of your choice.

18. Heal Bug Bites, Bruises, and Scrapes
via MindBodyGreen

After getting a mosquito bite, apply some coconut oil to stop the itching. Coconut oil is also great for cuts and scrapes, as it forms a thin layer that prevents bacteria from entering the wound.

19. Clear Acne 
via The Nourished Life

Oil on acne may seem counterintuitive, but coconut oil’s antibacterial and antifungal properties may help to heal blemishes. Rub it on problem spots before bed.

20. Soothe Skin Problems and Rashes
via Dr. Axe 

Irritated skin conditions can be alleviated with a layer of coconut oil. It may also prevent and heal rashes.

21. Makeup Remover
via Dr. Axe

To create a non-irritating makeup remover, massage coconut oil around your eyes and face. Bonus: The oil moisturizes at the same time.

Mouth

22. Oil-Pulling
via Wellness Mama

Oil-pulling, or swishing oil around your mouth, may help reduce plaque and bad breath. Put one to two teaspoons of coconut oil in your mouth, swish for 20 minutes (yes, 20), then spit it out.

23. Homemade Toothpaste
via Family Sponge

To make a natural toothpaste, all you need is coconut oil, stevia, and baking soda. Get a minty flavor by using peppermint essential oil.

Food

24. Coffee Creamer
via Whiskey Ink and Lace

For those trying to avoid dairy, coconut oil is a creamy way to recreate the same texture. This recipe uses coconut oil, honey, and vanilla and almond extracts.

25. Butter/Oil Replacement
via MD Health

To clean up baked goods, use coconut oil instead of butter at a 1:1 ratio. It’s also effective for greasing pans before cooking or baking.

26. Energy Boost
via Greatist

Coconut oil can serve as an energy booster thanks to its medium-chain fatty acids. Try mixing it into your smoothies and nut butters, or using it as a topping for snacks like popcorn.

27. Preserve Shelf Life of Eggs
via Everyday Roots

Coconut oil acts as a shield against oxygen, preventing it from penetrating eggs’ shells and causing them to go bad. Rub a thin layer on the outside of each egg before storing in the refrigerator.

Illness

27. Soothe a Sore Throat
via Sunwarrior

Coconut oil’s anti-bacterial properties can soothe an irritated throat. Simply let a teaspoon or two melt in your mouth, then roll it to the back of your throat.

28. Calm a Cough
via Primally Inspired

To make a homemade cough syrup, combine raw honey, coconut oil, lemon, and cinnamon.

29. Clear Congestion
via Greatist

Make your own vapor rub by mixing coconut oil with tea tree or peppermint oil, then rubbing it on your chest.

Home and Lifestyle

30. Spot and Stain Remover
via Tree Hugger

To remove stains on clothing or upholstery, rub coconut oil into the damaged area. For a more effective stain removal, mix it with baking soda.

31. Leather Cleaner
via Apartment Therapy

To make your leather shine, rub a dab of coconut oil into your leather products with a cloth.

32. Furniture Polish
via Mother Earth Living

Mix coconut oil with lemon juice and white vinegar and spray the mixture on wood furniture to keep it looking new.

33. Small Motor Lubricant
via Everyday Roots

Be careful not to use too much oil on small motors, as it can harden and cause more friction instead of lubricating.

34. Sticker, Label, and Gum Removal
via DIY and Crafts

To remove a tough sticker and then get rid of the gunk that’s left behind, use a dab of coconut oil. Slather the oil on the sticker or its residue and let it sit for a while, then wipe it away with a clean cloth. The same process works for chewing gum.

35. Retainer and Mouth Guard Cleaner
via Parent Guide

Cover your retainer in coconut oil, let it sit all day, and then wash off the coconut oil when ready for use.

36. Season Cast Iron Pans
via The Kitchn

To reinforce and protect the non-stick power of cast iron, apply coconut oil to the entire pan.

37. Grease Bicycle Chains and Garden Tools
via Coconut Oil Cooking

Coconut oil is an effective way to keep bicycle chains and gardening tools working smoothly. Lubricate the chains or tools with a hefty amount of oil and rub it in with a dry cloth. Coconut oil also prevents rust from forming.

38. Clean the Grill
via The Well

Keep your grill in working condition with coconut oil’s cleaning power. Cover the grill racks with coconut oil, let it sit, and then use the scraper to remove all rust and gunk.

39. Detail Your Car
via Brittany Blum

Coconut oil is effective as a car detailer because it easily picks up dust and dirt while polishing the exterior. Simply rub the outside of the car with the oil and a soft rag.

40. Fire Starter
via Popsugar 

Get your bonfires started this summer by soaking cotton balls in coconut oil. When ready to light the fire, pull apart the cotton and add it to the kindling.