Someone commented on one of my posts the other week and it triggered me... I decided to not 'retaliate' and argue back because I'm a grown up... instead I decided to dedicate a full post as to why coconut oil on it's own (this is important - if it's formulated with other ingredients then that's a little different) is not a good face moisturiser even though its 'natural'. Because when life gives you lemons and all that...
Coconut oil has been through quite the PR rollercoaster. One minute, it’s a superfood, the next it’s being called out for being no better than lard. It’s hailed as the ultimate makeup remover, hair mask, body lotion, teeth whitener, cooking oil, and even an antifungal remedy. But does that mean it’s good for your face? Not exactly.
And yet, I still see people rubbing it all over their skin in the name of ‘natural skincare.’ If you’re one of them, let’s have a little chat.
‘But It’s Natural!’
Yes, coconut oil is natural. But so is poison ivy, and you wouldn’t rub that on your face, would you?
The idea that natural = better is one of the biggest myths in skincare. What actually matters is whether an ingredient is well-formulated, balanced, and suitable for your skin type. Just because something is plucked straight from nature doesn’t mean it’s ideal for your skin in its raw form.
Why Coconut Oil Can Cause Breakouts
Coconut oil is what we call an occlusive—meaning it creates a barrier on the skin that helps lock in moisture. Sounds great, right? The problem is, it doesn’t just ‘lock in moisture’—it can also trap dirt, bacteria, and dead skin cells, leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
In fact, coconut oil is highly comedogenic (meaning it can block pores), with a rating of 4 out of 5 on the comedogenic scale. If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, you’re essentially giving your pores a one-way ticket to congestion city.
Even if you don’t break out from coconut oil, it doesn’t mean it’s doing much for your skin beyond feeling temporarily soft. It lacks the essential fatty acids, antioxidants, and active compounds that actually improve skin health.
Why Formulation Matters
I’m not against coconut oil—I actually use it in some of my products. But here’s the difference: it’s carefully formulated alongside other ingredients to balance its effects.
Skincare isn’t just about throwing a single ingredient on your face and hoping for the best. It’s about synergy—how different ingredients work together to nourish, repair, and protect your skin.
That’s why a product that is made from high-quality ingredients and well-formulated together will always outperform DIY ‘just slap this on your face' solutions.
What to Use Instead?
If you’re looking for an oil to apply to your face (which, let’s be honest, most of us need more than just an oil), I’d go for something like The Face Oil or Nimue's Hyaluronic Oil instead.
The Face Oil is:
Hand made using pure carrier oils and essential oils formulated together to prevent your pores
Packed with essential fatty acids to repair and nourish the skin
Full of antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin A, which help brighten and protect
Nimue's Hyaluronic Oil is:
One of it's kind! There are very few (if any) hyaluronic oils on the market.
Great to help prevent fine lines and wrinkles
Designed to help prevent trans epidermal water loss.
If you want hydration, use a proper moisturiser. If you need to lock in moisture, look for a balanced face oil or balm that has been formulated for the skin—not just an oil straight from the kitchen.
I love coconut oil… just not on my face. Skincare isn’t about what’s ‘natural’—it’s about what’s effective. And effectiveness comes from high-quality, well-formulated ingredients, used consistently.
So, if you’re tempted to slather coconut oil all over your face, maybe save it for your legs, hair, or smoothie instead.
Are you confused about where to start with skincare? Why not fill out my skin check-in form here and receive a FREE skincare plan from me. No need to book an appointment, no Zoom calls, just a few messages between us to get you on your way to great skin health.
Thank you so much for reading,
Emmaline
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