Coconut oil has been used around the world for centuries, and in recent years it has earned a devoted following as a skincare ingredient. When it comes to your skin, coconut oil really is a standout. Keep reading to learn why this simple oil has earned its place in so many skincare routines, including ours.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is the natural oil pressed from the meat of mature coconuts. Communities in tropical regions have used it for generations to care for their skin and hair, and it later became a classic ingredient in traditional soapmaking. Today you will find it everywhere from hair products to coffee, but it is in skincare where coconut oil truly shines.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

When it comes to skincare, coconut oil has a lot going for it. Read through the benefits below and you will see why we reach for it again and again.

It Helps Skin Feel Fresh and Clean

Coconut oil is naturally rich in lauric acid, a fatty acid that helps skin feel fresh and clean. This is one reason coconut oil is such a popular ingredient in cleansers and deodorants: it supports that clean, comfortable feeling we all want from our daily products.

It Helps Skin Look and Feel Calm

Early research suggests coconut oil may help skin look and feel calm, and many people with easily irritated skin reach for it for that reason. Its gentle, comforting nature makes it a welcome ingredient when skin needs a little extra kindness.

Coconut oil is perhaps most famous for its ability to keep your skin feeling hydrated. Because it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil helps retain the moisture content of your skin, keeping it looking and feeling smooth. Retain is the key word here, because contrary to popular belief, coconut oil does not hydrate the skin in and of itself. Instead, it sits at the surface of the skin, trapping moisture underneath. This is just one of the many reasons we love the goat milk and coconut oil combination in our products: as goat milk moisturizes, coconut oil helps “lock in” its amazing benefits.

Coconut oil also helps smooth the look of rough, dry patches, supporting soft, touchable skin. Healthy, well-moisturized skin simply looks and feels its best, which is why coconut oil is a staple in so many routines.

Simple Ways to Use It

You can enjoy coconut oil on its own or, more conveniently, in your everyday skincare products. A little goes a long way: warm a small amount between your palms and press it into damp skin after bathing to help seal in moisture. And if your skin is on the sensitive side, stick to unscented or naturally scented products whenever possible.

Coconut Oil FAQs

Is coconut oil good for all skin types?

Most skin types enjoy coconut oil, especially dry or thirsty skin. If your skin tends toward breakouts, use a light hand and try a patch test first, since rich oils can feel heavy on breakout-prone skin. In our products, coconut oil is balanced with other nourishing ingredients, so you get the benefits without any greasy feeling.

Can I use coconut oil on my face?

Yes. A tiny amount warmed between your palms and pressed into damp skin makes a lovely finishing step in an evening routine. A little goes a long way, so start with less than you think you need and add more only if your skin wants it.

How should I store coconut oil?

Keep it in a cool, dry spot away from direct sun. Coconut oil melts at around 76 degrees, so if your jar turns to liquid on a warm summer day, that is completely normal. Just give it a stir and carry on.

Why do you pair coconut oil with goat milk?

They make a wonderful team. Fresh goat milk brings creamy moisture along with vitamins and minerals your skin loves, and coconut oil helps seal all of that goodness in. It is a combination we have loved in our soapmaking for years, and it is one of the reasons our bars leave skin feeling soft instead of stripped.

What is the difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil?

Unrefined coconut oil is less processed and keeps a light, natural coconut scent. Refined coconut oil goes through additional processing for a more neutral scent and feel. Either one can work beautifully in skincare; it mostly comes down to the formula and the finish you prefer.

Can coconut oil replace my moisturizer?

For very dry skin, it can do the job on its own. But most people get the best results using coconut oil to seal in moisture, either pressed into damp skin after bathing or as part of a balanced formula like our lotions and soaps, where it works alongside goat milk and other nourishing ingredients.

When it comes to the care of your skin, you really can’t go wrong with coconut oil! It helps skin feel fresh, supports a calm and comfortable feel, and locks in moisture beautifully. If you’re dealing with dry skin or just want to support overall skin health, look for products that include coconut oil among their ingredients.

If you’re interested in trying products made with coconut oil, check out our goat milk soap, lotion sticks, all-natural deodorant (where coconut oil is a core ingredient), or goat milk bath! At Madd House Hill, coconut oil is one of the core ingredients in our all-natural deodorant, and we have long used it in our soapmaking too, so everyone can experience what this hardworking ingredient brings to your skin.

Clean, natural goat milk products are simply the way to go: fresh goat milk from our own herd, nourishing plant oils and butters, pure essential oils, and nothing synthetic. That is the Madd House Hill way, in every product we make.

Until Next Time,

Madd House Hill