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Your guide to coconut oil: cooking, skincare and hair
Written byH&B editorial team
Reviewed byHeeral Tomlinson
Is coconut oil the next big thing... or is it all hollow? From recipes to skincare and soft hair, let's see if the benefits really are bountiful
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Cold-pressed and organic
Holland & Barrett
Holland & Barrett Coconut Oil 300ml
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€3.80
€6.99
Vegan
Nature Spell
Nature Spell Coconut Treatment Oil For Hair & Body 150ml
€9.49
From frying pans to bathroom shelves, coconut oil has earned its place in kitchens and beauty routines around the world for generations. With its rich texture, subtle scent and versatile nature, it can add a little smoothness to everyday habits. Coconut oil is far from a miracle ingredient, but it’s a handy staple whether you’re whipping up a curry or treating your hair to some extra nourishment. Let’s get to the good stuff...
What is coconut oil?
Coconut oil is made by pressing the white flesh inside a coconut. It’s solid at room temperature and becomes liquid when it’s heated. Edible kinds are often used for cooking, but it’s found in haircare and skincare products too – so it’s pretty versatile. If you're using coconut oil for cooking, choose a food-grade coconut oil. Coconut oils sold specifically for cosmetic use may contain added ingredients, fragrances or processing aids that aren't intended for consumption. Always follow the product label instructions. Let’s learn more...
Types of coconut oil
You might see different phrases used on the label of your coconut oil. But what’s the difference – and which type should you choose?
- Refined coconut oil: processed for a milder taste and a higher smoke point so it can be used to fry food. Often preferred for higher-heat cooking because of its milder flavour and higher smoke point
- Unrefined coconut oil: less processed with a deeper coconut flavour and a lower smoke point. Ideal for baking and sautéing, but not for frying
- Cold pressed coconut oil: not exposed to a high heat before or after pressing, making it ideal for hair and skincare
- Extra virgin coconut oil: extra virgin coconut oil is generally used to describe unrefined coconut oil that has undergone minimal processing, often including cold pressing. A popular choice for hair and skincare routines
Coconut oil for cooking
Coconut oil is widely used in cooking, usually as a frying oil or as a vegan substitute for butter in baking. It has a mild taste and scent of coconut, so it’s best used in recipes that complement this like curries, stir-fries, Asian-inspired dishes and sweet bakes. You can use it in many of the same ways as butter or other cooking oils, depending on the recipe.
Holland & Barrett
€6.99
€3.80
€1.27/100 ml
Coconut oil for skin health
The fatty acids in coconut oil make it a great nourishing ingredient in skincare. It acts as an emollient, meaning it traps moisture inside the skin barrier.1 Emollients are commonly used for dry and fragile skin. However, it may clog pores in some people, particularly those with oily skin, so it’s best used on the body rather than on the face or on skin that’s particularly oily. Use as a rich body oil, massage into the knees and elbows or apply to dry feet before bed, then pop on a pair of socks.
Remember to choose a food-grade coconut oil for cooking and baking and a cosmetic-grade product for skincare and haircare where appropriate.
Coconut oil for hair care
On the hair oil hype? Thanks to its high fatty acid content, coconut oil has gained popularity among those looking for manageable and softer hair. Due to its moisture-sealing properties, it’s ideal for ‘locking in’ hydration – particularly in coily or tightly curled hair textures. Massage through hair with your fingers and leave overnight (we recommend using a bonnet, hair wrap or an old t-shirt to cover your head if you don’t want an oily pillowcase). This rich oil may be a little heavy for thin and fine hair, so use it sparingly. Try dabbing a small amount onto fly-aways or baby hairs to keep them in place.
Coconut oil is rich in medium-chain fatty acids – specifically lauric acid – so it may also be useful on hair that’s damaged due to excessive styling or bleaching.2 In one study, coconut oil was found to significantly increase the tensile strength (how likely it is to break when pulled), and another found a significant reduction in hair protein loss for both damaged and undamaged hair compared to mineral and vegetable oils.2,3 However, it’s worth noting that there aren’t any officially backed findings for coconut oil and hair and research is still emerging. So while it may be worth trying, results are likely to vary depending on your hair type and styling habits.
Nature Spell
€9.49
€6.33/100 ml
Coconut oil for teeth
Coconut oil is sometimes used for ‘oil pulling’, the process of swishing oil around the teeth and mouth for a prolonged period and then spitting it out. The intention is to improve dental and oral hygiene and potentially reduce bad breath. However, major dental organisations don’t currently recommend oil pulling as a replacement for established oral hygiene practices.
Coconut oil FAQs
Coconut oil can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet when used in moderation, for example when baking or frying. However, it’s a common misconception that it’s ‘healthier’ than other oils or fat sources, when in fact it contains about a third more saturated fat than butter.4 As a result, it’s not considered a ‘weight loss food’.
Coconut oil is sometimes used in keto coffee (also sometimes called bulletproof coffee). This is a high-fat, very low-carbohydrate drink often used by people following a ketogenic diet. It's intended to support a ketogenic eating pattern, although maintaining ketosis depends on the overall diet rather than any single food or drink.
The final say
Coconut oil’s worldwide appeal comes down to one thing: versatility. From adding subtle flavour to perfecting a DIY hair mask, this cupboard staple can wear many hats. Still coconut-curious? Learn how to soothe dry skin or shop our top hair oils for every type...
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. European Commission. CosIng – HYDROGENATED COCONUT OIL [Internet]. European Commission [cited 2026 Jul 24]. Available from: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/details/34340
2. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci [Internet]. 2003 Mar-Apr [cited 2026 Jul 24]; 54(2): 175-92. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
3. Kaushik V, Chogale R, Mhaskar S. Single hair fiber assessment techniques to discriminate between mineral oil and coconut oil effect on hair physical properties. J Cosmet Dermatol [Internet]. 2021 Apr [cited 2026 Jul 24]; 20(4): 1306-17. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32949101/
4. British Heart Foundation (BHF). Is coconut oil good for you? Is it bad for cholesterol? [Internet]. BHF [reviewed 2026 Apr 23; cited 2026 Jul 24]. Available from: https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/ask-the-expert/coconut-oil
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