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Five remarkable uses for coconut oil that you should know. Includes several unique uses for this versatile oil.

Awe…coconut oil. You’ve got to the love the stuff. But, did you know that coconut oil is useful for more than just cooking?

If you’re looking at that tub of coconut oil at home and trying to figure out how to use it, that’s where I come in. I’m that friend that’s going make sure you don’t miss out on the good stuff. I’m also the one that won’t let you go walking around the mall with spinach in your teeth and toilet paper stuck under your shoe.

First things first, let’s talk about what type of coconut oil you should be using. When it comes to coconut oil that will be ingested or used in or on your body, use the organic extra virgin stuff.

I get a big 54oz tub from Amazon for a great price. The coconut oil is also available via subscribe and save, if you’re on Amazon Prime, which makes it easy… so you don’t ever have to run out.

Once you’ve gotten your coconut oil fill, it’s time to put it to use. Here are twenty five remarkable uses for coconut oil. Share it with a friend!

Here are 25 Natural Uses for Coconut Oil

1. Lip Balm

Make lips kissable and soft for super cheap. To make a more natural lip gloss or lip stain, just layer the coconut oil under your favorite lip color.

2. Dry Flaky Scalp

Dandruff and cradle cap are no match for some good ole’ coconut oil. My recipe to fight cradle cap is: (1 tbsp each shea & joboba oil, 4 drops of tea tree oil, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1/2 tsp vitamin e oil). My daughter had the worst cradle cap when she was a baby. This whipped up this concoction and it worked like a charm.

3. Moisturize Cuticles

Dry cuticles are so not cute, but coconut oil works like a charm. You get bonus points if you put on cotton gloves right after for extra penetration.

4. Make up Removal

Don’t even think of sleeping with make-up on. Coconut removes make up quite easily. I especially like using it to remove mascara.

5. Topping for Popcorn

For a unique spin, try some coconut oil on your popcorn instead.

6. Smooth Shave

Ran out of shaving gel? Coconut oil is super moisturizing and will help prevent nicks and cuts. It also helps to prevent and treat razor bumps.

7. Hair Detangler

Water mixed with coconut oil and a wide tooth makes a great hair detangler. This DIY hair detangler will also save some money.

8. Furniture Polish

Shine on friends because you can even use coconut oil as a natural furniture polish.

9. Chocolate Ice Cream Topping

Melt some coconut with dark chocolate for a healthier ice cream topping. Of course you want some. You can even use it to make chocolate covered strawberries.

9. Massage Oil

Rub it down. Add your favorite essential oils for an extra boost.

10. Wrinkle Smoother

Try some coconut on your face at night and watch those lines soften.

11. Oil Pulling

Have you ever heard about oil pulling? It’s an ancient practice that have been around for thousands of years. Here’s more about how to do it.

12. Plant Sheen

Give house plants new life by wiping the surface of the leaves with coconut oil. Not only does this give the plant a pretty finish but, coconut oil serves as a deterrent for pests too.

13. Natural Laxative

If you have to go but things are slow…taking coconut oil orally stimulates the colon and aids in constipation relief.

14. A “Plantiful” Butter

Spread coconut oil on toast and muffins. Use it in place of butter in your favorite recipes. It’s a 1:1 substitution. Plus, the healthy fats in coconut oil are really good for you.

15. Get Unstuck

Have a stuck zipper that won’t budge? Dab it with some coconut oil and see how quickly you’ll be wearing your favorite fashionable pieces again.

16. Pill Glide

It’s the pill glide, not the cha-cha slide. Did you know that 40% of American adults have problems swallowing pills? I’ve been on the other side of the pharmacy counter…I know. Try dipping hard to swallow pills in coconut oil first.

17. Get a Shoe Shine

A little bit of coconut oil goes a long way for getting leather and patent leather shoes to their shiniest and brightest finish.

18. Make it Non-Stick

Instead of inflammatory seeds oils, use coconut oil at the bottom of bakeware for a nonstick surface that’s hard to beat.

19. Add a Flavor Boost to Your Coffee

Well, you already know that coconut oil is good for you right? Apparently, adding coconut oil to coffee is beneficial too.

20. Add a Shiny Finish

Add a non-toxic and shiny finish to stainless steel and chrome appliances.

21. Hair Conditioner

After your regular shampoo, slather up, put on a cap and deep condition your way into some “coco” time.

22. Smoothie Boost

Adds a nutritious health boost to smoothies with a hint of island flavor by adding a tablespoon or two of coconut oil

23. Nipple Ointment

Several breastfeeding mamas swear by using coconut oil on sore nipples. Supporters like the fact that it’s less thick than lanolin and that coconut oil helps kill yeast too. Have you tried it?

24. Insect Repellant

Get what’s bugging you by making your own DIY insect repellent at home. Just applying coconut oil on it’s own has enough slip to keep some bugs away.

25. Heals Dry Hands

Hands can get rough, especially in the winter. If you find yourself with dry, cracked hands, put some coconut oil on your hands to seal in moisture, especially after hand washing. It works like a charm.

Feeling coco for coconut oil yet? What is your favorite use for coconut oil?

Originally published 9/15/16 Updated: 8/6/18. 1/4/24, 4/5/25

2 Comments

Julie @ Logger's Wife says:

at 12:39 pm

It is also great for a diaper rash cream. My now 4yr old had a horrible rash that nothing would work, not even a combo of Desitin, anti-fungal cream, and hydrocortisone would clear up. Coconut oil cleared it up in less than 2 days. Wish I had tried it sooner. Would have saved almost a week of pain for her. I know now to go straight to that with my current baby.

I hadn’t thought to use it to un-stick a zipper. Great idea! (visiting from Inspire Me Monday)

LisaDLS says:

at 5:45 pm

Julie, I have heard that coconut oil is great on diaper rash. Of course, I would come across this information after both my kids are already out of diapers. This is a great tip! I’m glad that it worked for you. Other moms would be happy to know that such an affordable solution is already in their pantry.