Can You Use Coconut Oil As Lotion?

Natasha Bruce-Carline
coconut oil lotion

Can you use coconut oil as lotion? Absolutely, you can! Coconut oil has wonderfully emollient properties for cleansing, hydrating, and moisturising the skin. Its plentiful fatty acids rejuvenate the skin’s barrier function to support healthy skin healing. Its lipids are deeply nourishing to the lower formative skin layers. Its antioxidant properties fight free radicals and reduce hyperpigmentation and the signs of premature skin aging. Coconut oil soothes irritated and inflamed skin conditions and can even soothe sunburn. There are many types of coconut oil to choose from.

This article will explore the differences between cold-pressed extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil MCT, and Coconut Oil RBD 76 Degrees. Come and discover just how many ways you can use coconut as a lotion.

The Benefits of Coconut Oil

coconut oil in bottle

In asking the question ‘can you use coconut oil as lotion’? We also need to have an idea of what the benefits of using coconut oil are.

First, it pays to understand that coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4. This features quite high on the scale of 0 to 5 and means there is a higher average of clogging your pores. It would always be wise for those of you who experience oily skin, acne, or blemish-prone skin to use the heavier and oilier versions of Coconut oil cautiously.

Coconut oil MCT tends to have a lower rating of 2-3 and so is better suited to use in daily facial skincare products than other types of coconut oil. 

Skin and Hair Care Benefits Of Coconut Oil

    • Cleanses, especially as MCT, as it is easy to wash off.
    • Hydrates and moisturizes with emollient actions.
    • Nourishes, conditions, and strengthens skin with deep penetrating lipids.
    • Protects the barrier function of the skin.
    • Soothes irritated and inflamed skin.
    • Contains antioxidant chemicals that fight free radicals, which cause premature skin aging and hyperpigmentation. 
    • Soothes flaky and itchy scalps and can guard against dandruff.
    • Promotes strong, healthy hair growth.
    • Reduces the appearance of split ends and nourishes, conditions, and tames frizzy hair.
    • MCT versions can also help with hair volumizing. 

Define Coconut Oil…

Before we answer that question, let's first ask, can you use coconut oil as lotion? Let’s just get clear on what coconut oils we are talking about.

All types of Coconut oil are extracted from coconuts, which grow on the Cocos nucifera tree. These grow through most of the tropical regions of the world and are an abundant and sustainable source of resources for local communities.

Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years by local cultures and has a long history of being used for hair and skin care throughout the tropical regions of the globe. As trade started to move, so did the coconut and all its many benefits.

Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

Cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil can be used to make skin and hair care products and for soapmaking.  It is also used in cooking. It is solid at room temperature, which makes it a great choice for nourishing creams, balms, salves, and lip balms, and lipsticks.

Heat-extracting coconut oil can damage its integrity. Cold-pressed extra virgin coconut oil maintains all of its vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionating removes long-chain triglycerides (LCTs). Triglycerides can block your arteries, so it is much healthier to eat. Since LCTs are responsible for nourishing and plumping the skin, you can use this type of coconut oil topically, but realistically, it would be better to save it for cooking.

That said, because it stays liquid at room temperature, fractionated coconut can be useful for body oil, lotions, and serums and is often used for skin care applications and soapmaking.

Given the choice though…keep this one for the cooking.

Coconut MCT Oil

Coconut MCT oil has a very similar name to MCT oil, so for clarification, they are not quite the same thing.

MCT Oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) used as a supplement to support weight loss. Derived from coconut oil and blended with palm kernel oil, coconut oil does contain quite a large mix of MCTs, but it is also supplemented by other fatty acids.

Coconut MCT Oil has a very different texture to EV Coconut oil because it goes through a refining process called esterification.

Once processed, Coconut MCT is technically no longer an oil but now an ester, which means it feels quite different on your skin. Coconut MCT oil is lighter and absorbs much faster. Since its new structure means it does not leave any residue behind, it is brilliant for dry body oils and face serums.

Coconut MCT oil is particularly popular with massage therapists as it does not leave stains on their couch linens or uniforms.

Coconut Oil (RBD 76 Degrees)

RBD stands for Refined, Bleached, Deodorized.

Refining removes impurities, coconut fragrance, and coloration from the oil.

The 76 degrees identifies that the structure of the coconut oil will be solid at 24°C or 76°F.

RBD 76-degree Coconut oil is a strong choice for soapmakers. It can also be used for skin and hair care as well as for cooking.

Can You Use Coconut Oil As Lotion?

I am pretty sure that you no longer need to ask, “Can you use coconut oil as lotion?” Because you know that the answer is going to be a resounding YES!

The question should perhaps change to ‘how can you use coconut oil as lotion’ instead.

Before we do that, though, let’s just take a quick look at what people tend to mean when they say ‘lotion’ because there is a lot of disparity! First, what is the dictionary’s definition? It is “a thick, smooth liquid preparation designed to be applied to the skin for medicinal or cosmetic purposes”

For me, a lotion always has a water element to it, and therefore, it has to be emulsified for the coconut oil and water elements to mix.  But for many, a lotion could mean coconut oil mixed with a cosmetic butter. This is called an anhydrous (without water) lotion, and a more technically accurate term for it would be body butter! I have even seen wholly oil-based mixtures termed as lotions, too.

I don’t want to disappoint anyone simply because of terminology, so shall we make them ALL?

Yes! Here Are Some Exciting Recipes

Using Coconut Oil As Lotion With Water-Based Ingredients

Coconut body and skin care

This water-based lotion is perfect for dehydrated skin that needs a moisture boost. It’s gentle enough to use on inflamed and irritated skin and has soothing essential oils with plenty of anti-inflammatory actions.

It will have a more fluid consistency, similar to body lotions that you would buy from the store.

Since oil and water don’t mix, you are going to need an emulsifier and a preservative. An emulsifier will prevent the oil and water from separating, and preservatives are critical in water-based lotions to discourage mold and bacteria.

Both ingredients are simple to use.

You Will Need:

    1. Double boiler
    2. Protective heat mat
    3. Digital measuring scales 
    4. Heatproof bowl 
    5. Silicone spatula 
    6. Stainless steel spoon
    7. Immersion blender, handheld whisk, or stand mixer
    8. Jar funnel 
    9. 120ml jar
    10. Oil and waterproof label

Base Ingredients:

Safety:

    • Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.
    • Do not use it if you are allergic to nuts.

Method:

Warm Your Ingredients
    1. First, organise your workspace, measure out your first ingredients, and be ready and prepared. 
    2. Then put your double boiler to pre-warm over a low to medium heat.
    3. Once warmed through, add the Emulsifying Wax, Shea Butter, Jojoba carrier oil, and the   Rosewater into the top section of the double boiler.
    4. Whatever you do, don’t be tempted to speed things up and turn the heat up; the way to go is always low and slow. Exposure to high heat can degrade your coconut oil and butters.
    5. It will be the Emulsifying Wax that will take the longest to melt, so as soon as that has become molten, remove the double boiler from the heat.
Cool Things Down And Mix
    1. Separate the top of the double boiler away from the hot water in the bottom section and set aside to cool a little on a protective heat mat. 
    2. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes and pour into a bowl. 
    3. Then take your immersion blender (alternatively, use a hand whisk or stand mixer). Mix thoroughly until the lotion is fully emulsified and homogeneous. It could take a little while, so think of your motor and do this in short bursts instead. Don’t be afraid to leave it for a couple of minutes to cool, and then give it another good mix.
Check the Consistency
    1. It will thicken more on standing and cooling fully, so be sure to take this into account when deciding on the final consistency. 
    2. Cover the bowl with a soft, clean cloth and let everything cool completely for at least a few hours, ideally overnight.
    3. You can still make small adjustments, so if your lotion feels too thick for your taste, add more Rosewater.
Add Final Ingredients and Jar Up
    1. This is the point to add a preservative, following your manufacturer's guidelines 
    2. Then add in your essential oils and mix everything thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
    3. Carefully, using a jar funnel, decant into your jar.
    4. Always clean the rim meticulously before adding the lid to discourage the formation of mold and bacteria. I do this with white vinegar for that added layer of protection. 
    5. List all of your ingredients on an oil and waterproof label, along with a production date and an 8-12 month expiry date, if you used a preservative.

How To Use:

    1. Store your Coconut lotion in a dark, cool place that maintains an ambient temperature.
    2. Always carry out a 24-48 patch test before first use.
    3. Do not use this coconut lotion if you are allergic to nuts 
    4. Because it has been formulated with Coconut MCT oil, it is suitable for your face and body. Apply in upward circular motions. Take extra care not to drag the delicate skin around the eyes. 
    5. There is no need to rinse this product; let it sink in and get to work.

Using Coconut Oil As Lotion With Cosmetic Butters

coconut cosmeticYes! You can make sumptuous and gorgeous lotions with coconut oil and cosmetic butters. This one is more like a thick and unctuous body butter. It will be super nourishing for your skin and help lock in moisture while it restores and repairs the skin‘s barrier function.

The essential oils in this are perfect for restoring elasticity to the skin and leaving it soft, supple, silky smooth, and glowing with health and vitality. 

You Will Need:

    1. Double boiler
    2. Protective heat mat
    3. Digital measuring scales 
    4. Heatproof measuring jug 
    5. Silicone spatula 
    6. Stainless steel spoon
    7. Handheld whisk or stand mixer
    8. Jar funnel 
    9. 8 oz jar
    10. Oil and waterproof label

Ingredients:

Optional: Natural preservative of your choice, follow the manufacturers' guidelines.

Safety:

    • Do not use it in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. 
    • Do not use it if you are allergic to nuts.

Method:

    1. If you are using a preservative, check how much and when you need to add it according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Warm Your Ingredients
    1. Set your double boiler over a low to medium heat to pre-warm. Keep the heat low and slow through the entire melting process.
    2. Weigh the cosmetic butters and place them into the double boiler. You might want to add your Cocoa Butter first, as it will take longer than the Shea Butter to melt. 
    3. Place the double boiler over low to medium heat and watch carefully for the butter to melt.
Cool Down & Mixing
    1. As soon as it is molten, remove the double boiler from the heat and remove the top section away from the water in the bottom and pour the melted butter into a measuring jug.
    2. Then, measure out the carrier oils into the measuring jug and mix them thoroughly.
    3. Place the jug with the butter and oils in the refrigerator for 45 minutes or until it turns opaque.
    4. The sweet spot is for the mixture to be relatively solid but not so hard that you cannot even stir it. 
    5. Take your handheld mixer and beat for a couple of minutes.
    6. Then add your essential oils and whip up to a lovely fluffy texture that feels like velvet on your skin.
Jarring Up & Labeling
    1. Using a silicone spatula, scrape every last glorious morsel from the jug and fill your jar. 
    2. Cover with a soft, clean cloth and allow to cool fully. This helps discourage the formation of mold and bacteria in hot, damp environments! 
    3. Add the lid when the product is fully cooled.
    4. After whipping air into the mixture, it is not unusual for it to sink back a little in the jar as it settles and ages. 
    5. Label clearly, listing all ingredients on an oil and waterproof label. Add a production date and an expiry date in line with whether you used a preservative or not.

How To Use:

    1. Store your Coconut lotion/body butter in a dark, cool place that maintains an ambient temperature.
    2. Please don’t forget to do a 24-48 patch test before first use.
    3. Do not use this coconut body butter/lotion if you are allergic to nuts. 
    4. Apply to the body liberally using long upward strokes toward the heart to boost circulation. 
    5. Let this sink into your skin and get to work, there is no need to rinse this product.

Using Coconut Oil As Lotion With Other Carrier Oils

body and skin care accessories

This is by far the simplest recipe here, and you can knock this up in a matter of minutes with very little effort.

I have designed it as a dry oil, so it is suitable for your face and body as a penetrative and deeply nourishing serum. It’s gentle enough for even sensitive skin.

The carrier oils are packed to the gunnels with fatty acids, antioxidants, and skin nourishing goodness that there is little need to add essential oils, unless you want to.

I want to show you how just 3 carefully chosen carrier oils can make such a difference to your skin care regimen and the look, feel, and appearance of your skin. 

You Will Need:

    1. A small measuring jug
    2. Small funnel
    3. 50ml dark glass bottle, rubber topped dropper bottles are ideal
    4. Oil and waterproof label

Ingredients:

Safety:

    • Do not use it if you are allergic to nuts.

Method:

    1. Combine all of the ingredients in a small measuring jug and mix thoroughly.
    2. Use a small funnel and decant into a suitable bottle.
    3. Label clearly, listing all ingredients on an oil and waterproof label.
    4. Use within 3-6 months.

How To Use:

    1. Store your Coconut lotion/oil in a dark, cool place that maintains an ambient temperature.
    2. Don’t forget that 24-48 patch test!
    3. Do not use this coconut lotion/oil if you are allergic to nuts.
    4. Less is more here, you need very little to do an amazing job. 
    5. This is gentle enough to use on the face; in fact, it is brimming with antioxidants that fight the signs of skin aging and fatty acids that regenerate and rejuvenate the skin. 
    6. Take 2 drops and warm them in the palm of your hand, and then apply in upward circular motions, taking care not to drag around the delicate eye area.  
    7. Again, take a few drops and warm in the hand before applying to the body using long, upward strokes. Always move toward the heart to boost circulation. 
    8. You want this to sink into your skin for its best effect, so there is no need to rinse this product.
    9. You can also use this as a hot oil hair treatment or for simply taming flyaways and adding extra shine to your hair.

How Do You Use Coconut Oil As Lotion?

If you have a jar of Extra Virgin Coconut oil in front of you and you ask me, ‘Can you use coconut oil as lotion?’ I’d urge you to smoosh your fingers into it and apply it liberally to your skin. It’s wondrous for that irritating winter itch on your shins and great for sealing in moisture on wet skin after a bath or shower.

It is worth knowing that Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is the only carrier oil that is 100% safe to be used in the vagina for vaginal dryness and as a natural lubricant. Do not use it in conjunction with condoms, which may react to the oil and reduce their efficacy.

In truth, you can use any of the coconut oils described above directly on your skin as an emollient to moisturize, nourish, and protect your skin.

Coconut oil MCT is great to use before you dress or as the last thing at night to avoid stains on your clothes or linen. It is also wonderful as a hair treatment because it washes out more readily. 

The Final Word

organic cream

Can you use coconut oil as lotion? Absolutely! It makes wonderful lotions in all its guises.

Consider your individual needs and choose between Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Fractionated Coconut Oil, Coconut Oil MCT, and Coconut Oil RBD 76 Degrees. They all have their benefits and suit different types of applications.

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is solid in cooler climates, making it perfect for balms, soaps, and ointments. It’s a great choice for lip balms.

Remember, MCT is technically an ester, so it will not leave the oily marks of the others, making it perfect for massage treatments and applying last thing before bed or before dressing. It washes off easily, so it is great for cleansing products and hair treatments.

Use coconut oil as lotion for moisturizing and hydrating skin. It will help repair, regenerate, and protect the skin's precious barrier function. It can help soothe irritated and inflamed skin with anti-inflammatory actions. Its antioxidant qualities will fight free radicals, the pesky things that can cause premature skin aging, fine lines and wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

It’s not just great for your skin, it’s wonderful for your hair too. Use it to promote strong, healthy hair growth and for soothing flaky, itchy scalps and addressing dandruff. Coconut oil can help nourish and condition hair, reduce the appearance of split ends, and tame frizzy hair. The MCT version can be used for hair volumizing. 

You asked:

    • Can you use coconut oil as lotion? YES! 
    • Can you use coconut oil as lotion with water-based ingredients? Yes, just use an emulsifier and a preservative for the best results. 
    • Can you use coconut oil as lotion with cosmetic butters? Yes, but the results tend to be thicker, like a body butter consistency. 
    • Can you use coconut oil as lotion with other carrier oils? You can make highly nourishing dry body oils and serums this way.

Get stuck in and make your coconut oil lotion; it’s so much fun.