Welcome to our series on Coconut Oil. In this series, we are discussing the health benefits, selection, and uses of coconut oil. Make sure you’ve read our other posts in this series: Crazy for Coconuts? and How to Buy, Store, and Cook with Coconut Oil

Coconuts are an incredibly versatile product, and they are great for uses outside of the kitchen. Besides the obvious use as your vacation bikini or tropical mug for a piña colada (LOL), coconuts have a ton to offer. One of my favorite uses of coconut oil is as a makeup remover. I haven’t bought store-brand remover in 2 years.  Coconut oil is far less expensive and lasts much longer! Put a tiny amount in your palm, and dip a Q-tip or cotton ball in the warmed coconut oil. Brush across makeup you want removed and voila!

OTHER FUN, PRACTICAL, AND NATURAL USES OF COCONUT OIL

Homemade Lotion
Coconut oil is extremely good for your skin. Some people swear it helps conditions like eczema or other itchy skin conditions. Use alone or add pure essential oils for added benefit. My favorite is Young Living Essential Oils.

Recipe: Homemade Coconut Oil Lotion

Homemade Toothpaste
Coconut oil is tasty and when used in combination with the recipe that follows, you may even desensitize teeth that are sensitive to cold or hot.  It’s best to use the xylitol option in the recipe, as xylitol is outstanding and safe for preventing cavities.

Recipe: Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste

Homemade Deodorant
I’ve tested and approve of this recipe.  Store-bought deodorants often contain ingredients such as aluminum that are harmful to the body and brain.

Recipe: Natural Deodorant

Season Cast Iron Skillets
Instead of using unhealthy vegetable or corn oils that turn rancid when heated high, coconut oil retains its structure at high heat.

See: How to Season and Care for Cast Iron Skillets

Shaving Cream
Simply put a quarter size drop in your hands, allow warmth of hands to melt the oil and lightly apply to legs, face, etc.  Shave as usual.  You will get a very smooth shave and the oil is protective to your skin.

Soften and Condition Real Leather
Toss out the store-bought, toxic conditioners.  Nothing works as well as coconut oil to soften and shine that leather.

Diaper Cream
Use in place of diaper cream to keep baby’s bottom happy!  The oil helps prevent diaper rash (naturally anti-fungal), sooths chapped skin, protects baby’s skin in-between changes.

Recipe (option 1): Natural Diaper Cream

Recipe (option 2): Homemade Diaper Rash Ointment

Note: We recommend Young Living Essential Oils for their 100% purity.

Smooth Frizzy Hair
Put a tiny (pea sized) amount in palms, warm it up by rubbing palms together, and smooth out hair with oil slicked hands.

Dry Hand Moisturizer
Simply rub a pea-sized amount into dry skin/hands for a quick moisturizer.  Or, blend with your favorite essential oil for added benefit.

Bath Scrub
Mix with salt or sugar as a natural exfoliant and bath scrub.

Recipe: DIY Peppermint Sugar Scrub

Recipe: Peppermint Foot Scrub

Note:  I love to add Epsom Salt as well to any of the recipes. Add to your bath as an excellent way to detox and sooth after scrubbing!

Natural Lice Remover
If you have ever had to use the harsh chemicals/pesticides before – this will be a welcome change!

Recipe: Natural Head Lice Treatment with Coconut Oil and Apple Cider Vinegar

Cuticle Cream
Coconut oil’s natural anti-fungal properties make it a perfect choice.  The oil also helps nails say strong and resist becoming brittle.

Massage Oil
In its liquid state – makes an awesome massage oil. Again, add a drop or two of your favorite essential oil for a wonderful aromatherapy massage.

Contributing Writer: Alexis Delaney, Certified Exercise Coach® Trainer

Read the other posts in this series:

Crazy for Coconuts

How to Buy, Store, and Cook with Coconut Oil