Most people have heard about the health perks of cooking with coconut oil. But did you know coconut oil can double as a beauty staple?
It’s true: swapping conventional beauty products for coconut oil can cut costs dramatically while delivering comparable (and sometimes superior!) results to pricier brands.
6 Budget-Friendly Beauty Uses for Coconut Oil
I replaced six routine beauty items with one $3 jar of coconut oil from Walmart and saved more than $30 a month — that’s upwards of $360 a year. Below are the products I dropped and how I used coconut oil instead.
1. Body Moisturizer
What I Previously Bought: Oil of Olay Body Moisturizer ($8)
Coconut oil is best known as a skin hydrator. In regions where coconuts are native, people have long applied coconut oil to shield their skin from sun and heat. The oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (triglycerides) that strengthen the skin’s moisture barrier, softening and guarding against dryness.
How to Use It:
- Scoop a small (teaspoon-sized) lump of solid oil and rub it between your palms until it liquefies.
- Begin with less than you expect to need — too much can leave residue your skin won’t absorb.
- Massage the melted oil into your skin.
2. Lip Gloss
What I Previously Bought: Eos Lip Balm ($3)
Coconut oil is a natural source of vitamin E, which supports skin renewal, repair and smoothness. Vitamin E not only gives lips a glossy, soft finish, it helps heal cracked, chapped lips. Because it’s natural (and safe to ingest in small amounts), you don’t have to worry about harmful chemicals.
How to Use It:
- Rub your fingertip in small circles on the solid oil until it melts onto your finger.
- Pat the oil onto your lips.
- Use it on its own or beneath/over lipstick for added shine.
3. Shaving Cream
What I Previously Bought: Skintimate Shave Gel ($3)
The same qualities that make coconut oil an excellent moisturizer make it a great alternative to shaving cream. It conditions the skin as you shave, and because it’s an oil, it’s water resistant and stays in place while you perfect your shave.
How to Use It:
- Bring your jar of coconut oil into the shower — the steam will melt the solid oil.
- Pour a small amount of liquid into your palms.
- Apply to any area you plan to shave, including sensitive bikini areas.
- The oil helps prevent nicks and cuts and is clear, making it easier to see and avoid any existing wounds.
4. Exfoliant or Body Scrub
What I Previously Bought: Garnier Exfoliating Cream ($5)
Those rough heels and dry elbows? Coconut oil works wonders. Use the oil by itself or mix it with sugar to create a scrub, as suggested by About.com beauty expert Julyne Derrick.
How to Use It on Its Own:
- Scoop out a small chunk of oil.
- Rub the solid oil directly into rough spots like heels or elbows.
- Coconut oil is naturally grainy when solid. As it melts, those grains soften and become a smooth liquid. Rubbing solid pieces on your skin gives gentle exfoliation while the emerging oil moisturizes.
5. Makeup Remover
What I Previously Bought: Sephora Makeup Remover ($8)
Some drugstore makeup removers irritate sensitive skin. Coconut oil is a gentle, natural substitute — and it even dissolves waterproof mascara.
How to Use It:
- Take a pea-sized amount of coconut oil and rub it between your hands until it turns liquid.
- Saturate a cotton pad with the melted oil.
- Gently swipe the pad over your face to remove makeup.
6. Hair Conditioner
What I Previously Bought: Dove Deep Moisture Conditioner ($5)
Coconut oil contains proteins that help fortify and smooth hair. It’s especially useful for repairing split ends and restoring natural shine. Since it lacks the chemicals found in many conditioners, coconut oil won’t strip hair color.
How to Use It:
- Bring the jar into the shower so the heat melts the solid oil.
- Pour some liquid into your palm and distribute through your hair.
- Rinse thoroughly and avoid applying too much to the scalp or bangs; insufficient rinsing can leave hair looking slightly oily when dry.
- Tip: Coconut oil adds softness and shine but isn’t great for detangling. Be gentle when combing after conditioning with coconut oil.
If you want more ways to use coconut oil around the house and for personal care, check out resources on coconut oil uses, how to safely use it with pets at coconut oil for dogs, and recipes for homemade formulations at diy beauty products.
