How to Use Coconut Oil: Cooking, Skin and Hair
Coconut oil is one of the most versatile pantry-to-bathroom staples you can keep on hand. In the kitchen, it works as an everyday cooking fat for sautéing, roasting, and baking. On your body, it doubles as a natural moisturiser and hair treatment. This guide covers the practical basics of how to use coconut oil across all three areas — along with a few things worth knowing before you start.
At a glance
- Two main types: unrefined virgin and refined — they behave differently in the kitchen
- Solid below about 24 °C; melts to a clear liquid when warm — both forms are normal
- Good for medium-heat cooking, baking, skin moisturising, and hair masks
- Patch-test before applying to skin; avoid heavy use on acne-prone facial skin
- Use in moderation in the diet — coconut oil is high in saturated fat
In the Kitchen
Coconut oil is a flexible cooking fat that can replace butter or other oils in most everyday recipes. Here is how to put it to work:
- Sautéing and stir-frying: Spoon a small amount into a pan over medium heat. Unrefined virgin coconut oil adds a mild coconut flavour that works well with vegetables, eggs, and Asian-style dishes.
- Roasting: Toss vegetables or root crops with melted coconut oil before roasting in the oven.
- Baking: Substitute coconut oil 1:1 for butter or neutral oils in cakes, muffins, and cookies. Make sure other ingredients are at room temperature so the oil does not solidify on contact.
- Spreading and finishing: Use softened coconut oil as a spread on toast, or stir a small spoonful into oatmeal or smoothies.
Smoke point note: Unrefined virgin coconut oil has a moderate smoke point of around 175–180 °C, which suits medium-heat cooking and most baking. For higher-heat frying, refined coconut oil is the better choice as it tolerates more heat without burning. To learn more about the difference between the two, see what virgin coconut oil is.
Use coconut oil in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Like all tropical oils, it is high in saturated fat, so it is best treated as one fat among several rather than an exclusive everyday oil.
On Your Skin
Coconut oil is widely used as a natural body moisturiser. Scoop a small amount, warm it between your palms until it melts, and massage it into dry skin on arms, legs, elbows, and heels. It also works as a simple lip balm. Because coconut oil is a carrier oil, it can be used to dilute essential oils before applying them to skin.
Important caution: Coconut oil is comedogenic for some people, meaning it may clog pores. If you have acne-prone or oily facial skin, use it with care on your face or avoid it entirely. Always do a patch test on a small area of skin first and wait 24 hours before wider use.
In Your Hair
Coconut oil is a popular pre-wash treatment and deep conditioning mask. Here is a simple method:
- Warm a small amount of coconut oil in your hands until it liquefies.
- Apply to the lengths and ends of your hair, working it through with your fingers. You can also massage a little into the scalp.
- Leave on for at least 30 minutes — or overnight for a deeper treatment, covering with a shower cap.
- Wash out thoroughly with shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all residue.
A very small amount can also be smoothed over dry hair ends to tame frizz, though use sparingly to avoid a greasy result.
Other Uses
Oil pulling: An old traditional practice in which you swish a tablespoon of coconut oil around the mouth for 10–20 minutes before spitting it out. Some people include it in their oral hygiene routine. It is not a substitute for brushing and flossing.
Choosing and Storing Coconut Oil
For cooking and general use, you will typically choose between unrefined virgin coconut oil (light coconut flavour, lower smoke point, minimal processing) and refined coconut oil (neutral flavour, higher smoke point). For skin and hair, virgin coconut oil is the more common choice.
Store coconut oil in a sealed jar away from direct sunlight. It does not need refrigeration. Because it melts at around 24 °C, it will be solid in cooler conditions and liquid in warm weather — this is completely normal and does not affect quality. Ready to try it at home? Take a look at our virgin coconut oil, cold-pressed on our family farm in Calauan, Laguna.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you cook with virgin coconut oil at high heat?
Unrefined virgin coconut oil has a smoke point of around 175–180 °C, which is suitable for medium-heat cooking, sautéing, and most baking. For high-heat frying above that range, refined coconut oil is the safer option as it has a higher smoke point and will not burn or smoke as quickly.
Is coconut oil good for your face?
It depends on your skin type. Coconut oil can be a good moisturiser for dry skin on the body, but it is comedogenic — meaning it can clog pores — for some people. If you have acne-prone or oily skin, it is best used with caution on the face. Always patch-test a small area first and see how your skin responds before applying it more widely.
How do you use coconut oil on hair?
Melt a small amount in your palms and work it through the lengths of dry or damp hair before washing. Leave it on for at least 30 minutes — or overnight — then shampoo out thoroughly. For frizz control on already-clean hair, rub a tiny amount between your fingers and lightly smooth over the ends only.
Why is my coconut oil sometimes solid and sometimes liquid?
Coconut oil melts at around 24 °C. In an air-conditioned room or cooler climate it will be solid and white; in warm weather it turns clear and liquid. Both forms are completely normal and the oil has not gone off. You can use it either way — scoop it solid or pour it liquid.
Naturally grown coconut — made into everything
From buko to butter: virgin coconut oil, sugar, flour, vinegar, nata de coco and more, from our grove in Calauan, Laguna.
Shop The Coconut →