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Coconut oil has earned a permanent spot in many homes because it can do far more than fry food or grease a baking pan. A single jar can pull double or even triple duty in the kitchen, bathroom, and medicine cabinet, making it one of those products people end up reaching for more often than they expected.
It’s inexpensive, easy to find, and keeps well for a long time, so there’s no rush to use it up. While many people buy it for cooking, it also works for simple skincare, homemade products, and a handful of everyday household needs.
Here are 16 practical ways to put coconut oil to good use.
Help soothe diaper rash
A thin layer of coconut oil can help protect irritated skin and lock in moisture. Gently spread a small amount over clean, dry skin and let it absorb before putting on a fresh diaper. It’s also considered safe for use with cloth diapers.
Loosen cradle cap
Cradle cap is common in babies and usually clears up with time. Rubbing a little coconut oil into the scalp helps soften the flaky patches so they’re easier to remove with a soft brush. Leave it on for a few minutes before washing it out. If the condition doesn’t improve or becomes worse, contact your child’s healthcare provider.
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Relieve sore nipples while nursing
Many nursing mothers use coconut oil to soothe dry or cracked skin. A small amount can help reduce discomfort between feedings, and many parents like that it doesn’t have to be washed off before breastfeeding.
Moisturize dry lips
Dry, chapped lips don’t always need a specialty balm. A small dab of coconut oil helps seal in moisture and leaves lips feeling softer.
Make a homemade deodorant
Coconut oil is a popular ingredient in homemade deodorants. Mixing it with baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil creates a simple alternative for people who enjoy making their own personal care products.
Remove makeup
Coconut oil easily breaks down foundation, mascara, and long-wear makeup. Massage a small amount over your face, then wipe it away with a warm, damp cloth before washing your skin as usual.
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Use it instead of shaving cream
Applying coconut oil before shaving helps the razor glide more smoothly across the skin. A light layer afterward also helps soothe dryness and leaves skin feeling soft.
Soothe a sore throat
Stirring a teaspoon of coconut oil into warm herbal tea can help coat an irritated throat. While it won’t cure an illness, many people find it comforting while recovering from a cold.
Moisturize cold sores
Some people apply coconut oil to cold sores to help keep the area from drying out and cracking. Reapplying it a few times throughout the day may help make the sore feel more comfortable while it heals.
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Help with dry scalp and dandruff
Massaging coconut oil into the scalp before shampooing can help moisturize dry skin and loosen flakes. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before washing your hair as usual. Repeating the treatment from time to time may help reduce dryness.
Add it to drinks or smoothies
Some people enjoy adding a spoonful of coconut oil to coffee, tea, or smoothies. It blends best into warm drinks and can be an easy way to include it in your daily routine.
Support breastfeeding nutrition
Some breastfeeding mothers choose to include coconut oil in their diet as part of a balanced eating plan. While many believe it may support milk production, research on this is limited, so it’s best to talk with a healthcare provider before making major dietary changes.
Make homemade mayonnaise
If you enjoy making condiments from scratch, coconut oil can replace some of the oils used in homemade mayonnaise. The flavor is mild enough in many recipes, especially when paired with lemon juice and mustard.
Use it for short periods outdoors
Coconut oil offers very limited natural sun protection, with an SPF of about 4. That isn’t enough for extended sun exposure, but some people use it during brief periods outside. For longer outings, sunscreen with a higher SPF remains the better choice.
Use it as massage oil
The smooth texture makes coconut oil a good massage oil on its own, or you can mix in a few drops of essential oil for extra fragrance. Since it melts easily on contact with the skin, it spreads without much effort.
Make a simple toothpaste
Some people combine coconut oil with baking soda to make homemade toothpaste. While it can freshen your mouth, it shouldn’t replace fluoride toothpaste if you’re trying to prevent cavities, since fluoride plays an important role in protecting tooth enamel.
