20 genius (and surprising) ways to use coconut oil as your go-to beauty product

By now you likely know that coconut oil is hailed as a miracle product. You can use it for everything, from your hair to a delicious addition to your coffee and toast in the morning. Its combination of fatty acids and anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties means it’s not only healthy, but it can help with the healing of minor cuts and infections (and it can lower your cholesterol levels!). It can even be used as lube. Magic.

And in terms of beauty, yes you can use it as a hair mask, but did you know it has a million (okay, like 19) other uses? We’ve rounded up each and every one, in one convenient place. From your grocery list to this list, here’s why coconut oil is going to save your hair, skin, and wallet.

1. Deep conditioning treatment
No surprise here; the most popular way to use coconut oil is as a deep conditioning treatment. Take it from us, though: you only need a little bit. Leave it in for as long as you can (overnight is best) and then rinse out—well.

2. Makeup remover
Grab a dime-sized amount and rub it in your hands until it starts to melt, and then apply all over your face until makeup comes off, and rinse. No waterproof mascara in the world stands a chance against coconut oil.

3. Deodorant
It’s true! Coconut oil keeps you smelling fresh all day, and if you want to soak up some moisture while you’re at it, mix in some arrowroot powder, baking soda and cornstarch, and you’ve got your very own homemade deodorant.

4. Moisturizer
How many times do we have to tell you it’s super hydrating?

5. Face mask
On that note, apply a generous amount and leave it on for 10-15 minutes before rinsing off.

6. Lip balm
You already knew this one. But did you know that thanks to its antiviral properties, coconut oil also helps to prevent cold sores while it hydrates your lips?

7. Teeth whitener
Coconut oil + baking soda. And of course, there’s always oil pulling, which apparently improves overall oral health.

8. Lice remedy
After doing an apple cider vinegar rinse, apply a generous amount of coconut oil all over your head and let it sit for 12 to 24 hours, then shampoo out. Because it’s so fatty (good fats!), coconut oil suffocates the lice and makes it difficult for them to grab onto hair follicles.

9. Body lotion
Use it on its own or mix it with your favourite essential oils. Coconut oil is super hydrating and makes for an especially great overnight body lotion.

10. Cuticle oil
For the same reason, coconut oil is a great remedy for dry, cracked and peeling cuticles. Applying it to a freshly dried mani also makes the colour last longer. The more you know.

11. Makeup brush cleaner
It’s true! Mixing two parts antibacterial soap with one part coconut oil ensures your brushes are extra clean, disinfected, and—bonus—delightfully scented.

12. Stretch mark cream
Pregnant women have been using this little trick for ages. While coconut oil hasn’t been proven to fade any existing marks, it can prevent them, so oil yourself up, moms-to-be.

13. Body scrub
Mixing equal parts coconut oil and sugar is not only a weird and delicious snack, but is also a luxurious DIY body scrub. Mix together, apply and rinse off. Smooth AF.

14. Bath oil
Add as much as you want to your bath and moisturize while you chill out.

15. Massage oil
Warm it up in the microwave and add a few drops of your fave essential oil (we suggest lavender) for a soothing DIY massage oil.

16. Frizz tamer
Don’t have time to do a deep conditioning mask? A dime-sized amount worked through your hair will work to tame flyaways and add shine.

17. Shaving cream
It’ll help you get a closer shave and leave your legs soft and smooth when you’re done. Bless.

18. Dandruff treatment
Dandruff is caused by dry scalp, and you know what’s hydrating and fights dryness with ease? Yup.

19. Itch cream
It’s also a natural topical treatment for bug bites and burns.

20. Night cream
Applying a generous amount before bed is a great way to make full use of the antioxidants in coconut oil and fight fine lines and wrinkles.

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