Properties and benefits of coconut oil

Natural, gentle, and super versatile, coconut oil is one of those multitasking products every girl should have in her beauty case. It’s a true beauty ally: it hydrates, nourishes, protects, and leaves a light scent on your skin and hair that instantly feels like summer and self-care. Perfect for anyone who loves to take care of themselves in a simple and natural way. If you haven’t added it to your daily routine yet, now’s the perfect time to find out why it deserves a permanent spot in your beauty ritual.

Coconut oil: what is it?

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Coconut oil is extracted from the white flesh of the coconut. Depending on the climate and how it’s processed, it can be solid or liquid at room temperature, but in any form, it keeps all of its amazing benefits. There are different types of coconut oil available, and knowing how to recognize them makes a difference:

• Virgin Coconut Oil: This is the purest and most natural version. It’s cold-pressed without any chemical processing. It has that sweet, tropical coconut scent and is perfect for both skin and hair.
• Refined Coconut Oil: Processed with high heat or chemicals, it’s lighter in color and almost scentless. It’s less rich in active ingredients, but a more affordable, neutral option. Especially if you’re not into the intense coconut smell.
• Fractionated Coconut Oil: A “lighter” version, where certain fatty acids are removed so it stays liquid even in colder weather. It absorbs instantly, isn’t greasy, and has no scent: perfect if you want something quick and lightweight or to mix with other products.

Skin benefits

Coconut oil is amazing for deeply moisturizing dry skin, especially when it feels tight or flaky. But that’s not all: according to one study, it’s also super gentle and soothing for more sensitive skin types or conditions like eczema, helping calm irritation naturally. Its anti-inflammatory effect also helps reduce redness and discomfort, especially after sun exposure or UVB rays. Another great thing? Coconut oil helps skin heal faster when dealing with small cuts or irritation. It even offers antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral protection, shielding your skin from unwanted germs and reinforcing the skin’s natural barrier. That said, if you have oily or acne-prone facial skin, it might not be the best choice, since coconut oil is comedogenic and could clog pores.

Hair benefits

Coconut oil truly makes a difference when it comes to hair care. It deeply hydrates, especially if your hair is dry or damaged. Just apply a little to the ends or lengths and your strands will feel instantly softer and shinier. Plus, according to a study published in Semantic Scholar, it protects hair from damage caused by sun, heat tools, and pollution, acting like a natural barrier. If you deal with dandruff or a sensitive scalp, coconut oil helps soothe itchiness and keeps your scalp healthy thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a simple yet powerful way to get stronger, shinier, healthier hair.

Nail benefits

Coconut oil helps keep nails strong and hydrated, preventing breakage or peeling. As Dr. Markowitz explains in an article on Byrdie: "Coconut oil is great for treating brittle and cracked nails, as well as damaged cuticles, thanks to its moisturizing properties. It’s an ideal skin barrier, rich in fatty acids that help prevent transepidermal water loss." Massaging it into your cuticles makes them softer and more nourished, helping avoid dryness or irritation. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties also help protect against infections—keeping your nails healthy and beautiful.

Other benefits: oil pulling

You’ve probably seen it on social media - oil pulling is an Ayurvedic tradition that simply involves rinsing your mouth with coconut oil. In the morning, on an empty stomach, take a spoonful of oil and swish it around your mouth for about 10 minutes, pushing it through your teeth like mouthwash - just don’t swallow it! This ritual is said to draw out toxins and bacteria, leaving your mouth super clean and contributing to your overall well-being. Even from a practical point of view, it can offer some great benefits: healthier gums, fresher breath, less plaque, and that overall naturally clean feeling. While science hasn’t completely confirmed its effectiveness, it hasn’t disproven it either. So while it’s not a miracle cure, it’s still a nice, simple way to take care of yourself a little more naturally.