Is coconut oil good for your skin? Skincare enthusiasts on TikTok seem to think it is. Then again, if we’ve learned anything from the platform, just because something is trending doesn’t mean it’s true – especially when it comes to beauty and wellness hacks.

Fortunately, this is not the case when it comes to using coconut oil for some types of skin, as several dermatologists actually cosign its use as a form of topical hydration. “Coconut oil has skin-nourishing, moisturising, and softening properties,” Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York and the founder of Skincare Junkie, tells Glamour. “Its high concentration of fatty acids imparts excellent emollient capabilities, and it is also thought to have antimicrobial properties.”

Coconut oil for skin, FAQs

Coconut oil is essentially a “natural moisturiser,” according to Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery. However, he also notes that coconut oil is generally best used on the trunk and limbs – not on the face. “In addition to being an effective moisturiser, antioxidant ingredients in coconut oil may protect skin from free oxygen radicals,” Dr. Camp says.

Ahead, see everything you need to know about using coconut oil for skin, including what it is, how to use it, when and where to apply it, and more, so you never need to Google “Is coconut oil good for your skin?” again.

What is coconut oil?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, coconut oil is an oil from the meat of the coconut, which is better known as the “white part” of the fruit. “It is commonly found in skin care and hair care products,” she says. More specifically, coconut oil is a type of fat derived from coconuts, adds Dr. Camp.

Coconut oil skin care benefits

As for why coconut oil is found in so many skin and hair care products? To put it simply: It can be great for certain skin types. “Coconut oil has many benefits for the skin,” says Noah Gratch, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. “It helps retain moisture, reduce inflammation, promotes wound healing, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and boosts collagen,” he says.

Other unexpected perks? Coconut oil works well as a natural makeup remover, lip balm, and even cuticle cream. “Coconut oil can be used to remove product residue, makeup, and grime, helping emulsify these impurities from the skin surface and wash them away,” says Dr. Camp. “It can also be used as a natural lip balm for chapped lips and soften cuticles, which may prevent hangnail formation.”

Finally, coconut oil can even be beneficial for scalp and hair health. “It helps reduce frizz, heal breakage, protects bacteria from damaging your scalp, increases shine, and reduces dandruff and dryness,” Dr. Gratch explains.

Is coconut oil good for all skin types?

That being said, coconut oil isn’t necessarily good for all skin types. “Coconut oil is comedogenic so it may exacerbate acne breakouts and clogged pores,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. What’s more, “despite antimicrobial properties, the occlusive properties of coconut oil may cause or worsen dandruff on the scalp.”

Such is especially the case when using it on the face. “Coconut oil can clog pores and cause breakout and can irritate the skin, especially those with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Gratch. “It is not recommend for people with oily skin.” Plus, as with most skincare ingredients, it is possible to have an allergy to coconut oil, adds Dr. Murphy-Rose.