Coconut oil is a rich, semi solid oil pressed from the meat of coconuts, made up mostly of saturated fatty acids like lauric acid. It works as a heavy emollient and occlusive, meaning it sits on the skin's surface and helps slow down water loss.
A randomized clinical trial in children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis found that applying virgin coconut oil twice daily improved skin hydration, reduced water loss through the skin, and lowered eczema severity scores compared to before treatment.
Separate laboratory research has also found real anti inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in virgin coconut oil. That said, its heavy, rich texture and high content of pore clogging fatty acids mean it is not a good fit for everyone, especially those prone to breakouts.
Coconut Oil References
The Effect of Topical Virgin Coconut Oil on SCORAD Index, Transepidermal Water Loss, and Skin Capacitance in Mild to Moderate Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis, International Journal of Dermatology, 2014
In Vitro Anti-inflammatory and Skin Protective Properties of Virgin Coconut Oil, Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 2018
Our team reviews ingredient research and uses up-to-date evidence to rate ingredients based on the categories below.
Best
Ingredients with the most rigorous and convincing evidence. These are the standouts backed by consistent findings across independent, peer reviewed clinical research.. When we call an ingredient Best, it has earned that distinction through genuine, reproducible proof that it improves skin.
Good
Reliable, well tolerated ingredients that do their job without complaint. They may not carry the headline benefits of a Best rated active, but they hydrate, stabilize a formula, or support the ingredients around them in ways that make a real difference in how a product performs and feels.
Average
Ingredients that are perfectly safe and serve a clear function, typically as an emollient, thickener, or filler, but do not offer any meaningful skin benefit beyond that basic job. Not a red flag, just not a reason to choose one product over another.
Bad/Worst
Ingredients with documented potential to irritate skin, disrupt the barrier, or trigger sensitization in some users, often synthetic fragrance, drying forms of alcohol, or certain essential oils. Not automatically a dealbreaker for every skin type, but worth knowing about before you commit to a product.
