Ways to Use Coconut Oil

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I have had quite a few people ask me what I use coconut oil for lately. I rave enough about it so it would make sense that people want to know just what in the world I use it for. Therefore, today I think we will do a post on it!


Ask any crunchy what their favorite oil is and the answer is bound to be coconut oil!

I’ve already covered why coconut oil is so great in another post. Hopefully, I have already convinced you to give it a try and perhaps you have a rather large container sitting there staring at you, screaming “use me!”

Don’t have any coconut oil on hand? I love to buy Nutiva coconut oil.



Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Moisturizer – Coconut oil is great for the whole body including your face. I generally use it just on my face, as I rather like my body lotion.



Eye cream – Supposed to reduce puffiness, bags, and wrinkles. It’s best to do this in the evening before bed, just in case you were to get some in your eyes.

Face wash – I use coconut oil as part of my Oil Cleansing Method. It’s not a perfect oil for everyone but it is for me.



Aftershave – Simply apply after shaving.

 
Deodorant – Use alone or use in a recipe such as this natural deodorant recipe.
 

Deep Conditioner for Hair – Rub into your scalp and work through to the ends of your hair. Leave on 30 minutes to 2 hours, then shampoo as normal. You many need an extra shampoo.
 
Toothpaste – Can be use alone or in a recipe such as this one.
 

Hair Styling/Flyaways – use just a teeny tiny bit (smaller then a pea), rub between your palms and apply to hair. Scrunch if you want wavy/curly.

 
Makeup Remover – A bit of coconut oil and a piece of cotton will do a great job. Or use it as a make up remover/face cleaner like with the oil cleansing method.
 

Chapstick – Apply on lips. So simple.

 
Nipple Cream (like Lanolin) – For cracked, sore or dry nipples. Use and leave on between feedings, no need to remove before feeding baby again.

 
Diaper Cream – A perfectly safe diaper cream both for baby and for cloth diapers! Use it as is or check out this homemade diaper cream recipe.
 

Cradle Cap – Much like any other oil, simply apply to baby’s scalp and either rub in or lightly brush with a soft baby brush.
 

Dandruff/Dry Scalp – Much like cradle cap, simply rub coconut oil onto your scalp (you can add tea tree oil if you like) and leave on for as long as you can. Then wash. Here’s my dry scalp recipe that I’ve used with great success!

 
Body Scrub – Mix coconut oil with sugar (either white or brown) and then use as you would any body scrub. Here’s one of my favorite recipes.
 

Cuts and Scrapes – Apply on cuts or scrapes to protect from dust and bacteria.
 

Eczema – Coconut oil is amazing for eczema or any skin problem.
 

Nose Bleeds – Lightly coating the inside of your nose with coconut oil will keep your nasal passages from drying out and bleeding.

 
Vapor Rub – Use this vapor rub recipe (or this kid friendly version)  to make your own Vapor Rub cream which uses coconut oil as it’s main ingredient.
 

Lubricant – Coconut oil is a good natural lubricant…it however is not latex friendly. I personally have not tried this one but I’ve heard enough people recommend it.
 

In Cooking or Baking – Use coconut oil to replace oil or butter cup for cup. If you are replacing a liquid then melt the coconut oil first, if replacing a solid then used coconut oil in it’s solid form. Here are some more details.
 

Greasing Pans –  Grease pans and muffin tins with coconut oil instead of using cooking spray.
 

There are of course, probably hundreds of more ways to use coconut oil. Do you have a particular favorite that you think I need to add? Let me know!