INCI: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil
Tropical oil high in lauric acid. Moisturizes well but is comedogenic and can clog pores when applied to the face.
Topical application
CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus.
Lauric acid shows antimicrobial properties in vitro. Clinical trials in atopic dermatitis showed improved hydration, but the oil worsens comedogenesis on the face. Not the best choice for facial care.
Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil) is a vegetable oil from coconut flesh, dominated by saturated fatty acids – primarily lauric acid (~45-50%). Used in tropical cosmetics for centuries, it reached Europe as a universal emollient. Composition and mechanism. Lauric, myristic, palmitic, oleic, linoleic acids. Lauric acid has in vitro antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus (Nakatsuji 2009). On skin it forms an occlusive film, reduces transepidermal water loss, and penetrates the hair shaft (Rele 2003) – one of the few oils that actually reduces protein loss during washing. Where applied. Hair masks and oils, body balms, very-dry-skin products, makeup removers, soap. On the face manufacturers tend to avoid it because of high comedogenicity. In Spain – Garnier Hair Food, Klorane, Mercadona Deliplus, niche artisan brands. Evidence base. Evangelista 2014 RCT in children with atopic dermatitis: daily virgin coconut oil over 8 weeks cut SCORAD by 68% vs 38% in the mineral oil group. On hair, Rele 2003 showed coconut oil was the only oil tested that penetrates the hair cortex and reduces protein loss. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. The main caveat is comedogenicity: rating 4 of 5 from most suppliers. On the face it triggers closed comedones in acne-prone skin. Controversy. The popular social-media advice to use coconut oil on the face clashes with the dermatologic position: for most skin types it's a poor face choice, especially in acne, rosacea, and fungal acne (Malassezia feeds on fatty acids). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Often recommended for stretch marks and nipples during breastfeeding – safe for the infant on accidental ingestion. Best suited to: very dry body skin, damaged hair, cuticles. Not for the face in acne-prone skin or fungal acne.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeFor sensitive skin
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Coconut Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Coconut Oil suits: dry. Use with caution in: oily, combination.
Tropical oil high in lauric acid.
On the Fulton scale 4/5 – high comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil. It may also appear as: Cocos Nucifera Oil, Кокосовое масло.
Published: · updated:
Comedogenicity rating 4 out of 5. May cause acne and closed comedones on the face. Better suited for body use.
Suitable for
Use with caution