Over the years, I’ve gone through quite a bit of coconut oil, using it in everything from coffee to skincare. One of its most popular uses is in skincare and personal care products, often just as pure coconut oil. Here are three of my favorite coconut oil body lotion recipes and why they’re worth trying.
Coconut oil, derived from coconuts, is rich in saturated fatty acids, which give it a creamy texture in cooking and baking. It’s also packed with lauric acid, which the body converts into monolaurin. This compound has mild antimicrobial, antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties when applied to the skin. Coconut oil moisturizes, leaving skin soft and creating a protective barrier.
Unlike mineral oils and petroleum jelly, coconut oil is a natural emollient. It hydrates dry skin, making it softer and smoother. Research even suggests it can aid in healing damaged skin, combating infections, and speeding up wound healing. Moreover, its natural antifungal and healing properties can be beneficial for those with acne-prone skin.
Some dermatologists suggest using petroleum jelly for eczema to create a skin barrier, but I believe there are better natural options. Coconut oil can serve as an excellent alternative. In a 2008 study comparing coconut oil and olive oil for atopic dermatitis (a common form of eczema), virgin coconut oil proved effective in reducing symptoms and combating skin fungi and viruses. Initially, many participants had staph bacteria on their skin, but after using coconut oil, only one person still had it.
While coconut oil can work wonders for skin, it’s not suitable for everyone. Some people find it too drying alone and prefer using it as part of a blend, especially if they have oily skin and are wary of clogged pores.
However, many love it as a body moisturizer, particularly those with eczema or sensitive skin. Although there are rising allergies to coconut milk and meat, allergic reactions to coconut oil remain rare. To ensure safety, you can test a small amount on your inner wrist and watch for any reactions before fully incorporating it into your skincare routine.
While you can apply straight organic coconut oil directly from the jar, some prefer blending it with other beneficial ingredients. If you’re making coconut oil lotion or buying it, consider adding nourishing ingredients. You can even infuse coconut oil with calming herbs like lavender, calendula, and chamomile.
For those who lack the time or interest to make their own coconut oil lotion, there are good alternatives available in stores. Just be careful to check labels for any hidden harsh ingredients. Opt for cruelty-free products without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates. Even natural items can have preservatives like phenoxyethanol, which can be harsh on the skin.
One homemade option is a whipped body butter combining shea butter and coconut oil with clean ingredients. If you’re convinced to try coconut oil on your skin, both unrefined and refined versions are available. Unrefined, or virgin, coconut oil comes from fresh coconut meat, whereas refined oil is made from dried coconuts and has a milder scent. Either can work, but I prefer virgin coconut oil for skincare recipes.
Be aware that refined coconut oils vary in processing. Some, like those from Tropical Traditions and Nutiva, are expeller-pressed and deodorized with steam, making them healthier than chemically processed versions.
Since coconut oil solidifies below 76 degrees, it’s ideal for making lotion bars. These bars combine lotion benefits in a solid form, perfect for post-shower use on warm skin. I enjoy creating variations of these bars, including a portable stick version that keeps hands clean.
Lotion bar sticks are simple, requiring only three ingredients: coconut oil, beeswax, and essential oils. The full bars add in shea butter for extra benefits. For a firmer lotion, add more beeswax. For a smoother texture, add less beeswax and more liquid oil like almond oil.
For an added twist, try making a magnesium-infused body butter. Magnesium oil can be harsh on the skin if you’re deficient, but combining it with a body butter moisturizes and replenishes magnesium levels. My kids prefer this version, often applying it to their feet at night.
Have you used coconut oil in your skincare routine? How do you like to use it? Feel free to share your thoughts!
