For the best coconut oil for skin, Cleveland Clinic recommends a pure, unrefined, cold-pressed product. It can moisturize the body, but Cleveland Clinic says it is generally not recommended on the face because it can clog pores. People prone to acne or with oily skin should be careful.
Last updated 3 October 2026. This article gathers guidance from Cleveland Clinic and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). It reports what those sources say and does not replace advice from your own doctor. We do not recommend or rank brands.
Which kind is the best coconut oil for skin?
No health source we checked ranks brands for the best coconut oil for skin, and we do not either. Cleveland Clinic does say which type to look for: pure, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. It explains that cold-pressing uses no heat in the process and keeps more of the oil’s nutrients.
Read the ingredient list. A product sold as a skin oil may include fragrance, which the AAD advises avoiding on dry, sensitive skin. If you are unsure what a label means, ask a pharmacist or dermatologist.
What can coconut oil do for skin?
Cleveland Clinic says the main reason people use coconut oil is moisture. It says coconut oil can decrease transepidermal water loss, which means less water evaporates from the skin. That can help with dryness linked to conditions such as eczema, rosacea or dermatitis.
The article also says lauric acid makes up 49% of coconut oil and has antimicrobial properties. It says this may help with milder skin problems, such as scratches or razor burn.
For eczema, a dermatologist quoted by Cleveland Clinic says coconut oil will not clear it, but it can relieve symptoms such as dryness and itching. See our page on coconut oil uses and safety for a simple overview.
What can coconut oil not do?
Cleveland Clinic’s article does not claim coconut oil treats acne or other skin conditions. It says the opposite for acne: coconut oil can clog pores and cause breakouts, especially on oilier skin, and it may increase blackheads and whiteheads. The article also mentions milia, tiny white or yellow bumps from clogged pores.
For dry skin, the AAD says dermatologists prefer a thicker ointment or cream to a thin lotion. It does not list coconut oil in its moisturizer ingredients, though it names other oils such as jojoba and ingredients such as petrolatum and shea butter.
Who should skip coconut oil on the skin?
Cleveland Clinic says coconut oil is generally not recommended on your face because it is highly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. It lists these groups as people who should avoid it:
- People prone to acne, including breakouts on the shoulders, chest or back.
- People whose skin is oily, since pores clog and breakouts happen more readily.
If your skin is oily or breaks out often, our guide to face oil for dry skin and our overview of carrier oils for skin cover other options and cautions.
How do you start using coconut oil?
Cleveland Clinic suggests starting with a little on your body, keeping it away from the face and from areas that tend to get acne. It says to go slowly and watch how your skin reacts. It suggests applying it after a shower, on dry areas such as elbows, knees, hands and feet.
The AAD also recommends testing any new product. Try your usual amount on one small spot, such as the underside of the arm, two times a day for a week to ten days. If a reaction begins, rinse it off gently and stop. For more oils to compare, see body oil for dry skin.
When should you see a doctor?
The AAD says dry skin that lasts after you follow its tips may be due to a condition such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis or kidney disease, and should be seen by a dermatologist. The AAD also says a severe reaction that does not ease at home may need a dermatologist. Cleveland Clinic suggests talking to a dermatologist if you are unsure about your skin type.
Frequently asked questions
What type of coconut oil should you pick for skin?
Cleveland Clinic names pure, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil. It explains that cold-pressing does not use heat in the process and keeps more of the oil’s nutrients. We do not name brands. Check the label for added fragrance, and ask a dermatologist if you have a skin condition.
Can you put coconut oil on your face?
Cleveland Clinic says it is generally not recommended on the face because it is highly comedogenic and can clog pores and cause breakouts. People prone to acne or with oily skin should avoid it. If your face is very dry, ask a dermatologist what suits your skin.
Can coconut oil get rid of dark spots or scars?
The sources we checked do not say it can. Cleveland Clinic lists uses such as body moisturizer, soothing minor skin lesions, makeup removal and lip balm, and says nothing about dark spots or scars. If you are worried about a spot or scar, see a dermatologist for a proper check rather than relying on an oil.
Should I patch test coconut oil first?
Yes, that is sensible. The AAD recommends a small-spot test lasting a week to ten days for any new skin product. Cleveland Clinic advises starting with a small amount on the body, avoiding the face, and watching how skin reacts. If skin reacts, stop using it.
Sources (all checked 3 October 2026)
- Cleveland Clinic, Is Coconut Oil Good For Your Skin?, dated 29 December 2022.
- Cleveland Clinic, Stop the Itch: Home Remedies To Help Manage Eczema, dated 9 February 2024.
- American Academy of Dermatology, Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin, updated 2 January 2026.
- American Academy of Dermatology, How to test skin care products, dated 10 August 2021.
Written by the Dry Skin Tips editorial team. We do not claim medical review of this article. If you have a skin concern, see a qualified health professional.