Coconut oil has many uses, but is it a reliable makeup remover? Before transferring fashion emollients from kitchen cabinets to bathroom cabinets, read this article. We asked two dermatologists and a holistic plastic surgeon to tell us everything we need to know about using coconut oil to wipe off eyeliner and remove lipstick. Read on for the scoop on using coconut oil as a makeup remover, from the benefits to the potential side effects, and the possibility of clogged pores.
Can Coconut Oil Remove Makeup?
Yes, you can use coconut oil as a makeup remover, which not only effectively removes most of your makeup and sunscreen, but it also has skincare benefits. Coconut oil has antibacterial, anti-yeast effects and is also a great first-aid cream. It also works well as a makeup remover due to its cleansing effect. But it’s worth noting that coconut oil can cause acne, so it’s not recommended for acne-prone skin types.
How to Use Coconut Oil as a Makeup Remover？
- Use only coconut oil as you would a cleansing oil, no need to use abrasive towels or cotton pads.
- When the coconut oil is in its natural solidity, liquefy it in your hands. Then, gently rub it onto dry skin, paying special attention to heavy eye makeup.
- Once the makeup has melted sufficiently, rinse your face with warm water and pat dry.
- Since coconut oil tends to clog pores, it is recommended to use coconut oil as a makeup remover during double cleansing, which means that you should use a gentle cleanser afterwards.
Skin Type Considerations
But coconut oil isn’t suitable for all skin types, so using it in small amounts at a time will help prevent breakouts. However, we think it’s a good choice for sensitive skin.
Coconut oil may be comedogenic – meaning it can clog pores and may cause acne in some people. On the other hand, coconut oil has also been shown to help some acne-prone skin, as it has antibacterial properties and helps reduce skin inflammation. Not everyone will react the same way to using coconut oil, so it may be best to do a patch test on coconut oil first to investigate skin irritation.
How to Perform a Patch Test？
For the patch test, we recommend applying coconut oil to a small patch of skin behind the ear or on the inside of the forearm. Do not wash off, apply it this way once or twice a day for a week, and if there are no signs of irritation at the end of the week, there is a good chance that there will be no problem with applying the product to the skin of the face.
Complete Your Skincare Routine
After using coconut oil to remove makeup before bed, do some extra skincare steps. Coconut oil should not be considered an all-in-one skincare product because it does not moisturize the skin and does not provide protein to protect the skin barrier.
It is advisable to complete the skincare routine after using coconut oil to remove makeup: rinse with warm water to remove any remaining coconut oil. You can also use a gentle cleanser if desired, then pat dry with a clean, soft towel. After cleansing, apply a serum, followed by a moisturizer, to keep your skin hydrated throughout the night.
Possible Side Effects
There’s still some stigma attached to the idea of applying oil to the skin, and there have been different reports on whether coconut oil can cause acne (or clog pores). The main side effects to worry about are clogged pores and breakouts.
The Best Coconut Oil Makeup Remover
The quality of coconut oil is directly related to its benefits to the skin. Since the ingredient does contain some saturated fatty acids, low-quality coconut oil can be contaminated or poorly purified, which can lead to a horrible outbreak. We recommend that you only use purified, cold-pressed liquid coconut oil. Ideally, it should be organic and minimally processed.
We love the Kopari Organic Coconut Melt ($32), which is cold-pressed and packed with vitamins and minerals. The usual manufacturing method is to extract the oil with chemicals that can be combined with the active ingredient. The solvent can bind to the lipids in coconut oil, which means that the toxins can be absorbed by the skin when used. No toxins affecting the skin are produced during cold pressing.
Finally
It’s safe to use coconut as a makeup remover, but only if it’s organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed. Finding these three keywords on the label will help minimize the chances of skin congestion and maximize the effectiveness of essential oils. Coconut oil may not be the absolute gold standard for natural products, but it can be a powerful product when used correctly.
