Coconut oil is one of Mother Nature’s best inventions. It’s safe to say that from the kitchen to the bedroom–and every room in between–there’s about a million uses for coconut oil.
Whether your interest is culinary, personal care, or home cleaning related, the benefits and uses for coconut oil are many.
Don’t believe me? Read on for this impressive list. While this list isn’t exhaustive by any stretch of the imagination, it does detail some of the simplest and most common uses for coconut oil.
Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil
- Makeup Remover – Use coconut oil as a makeup remover. I use it to remove even the most stubborn eye makeup. Just dip a cotton ball or wipe in the oil and use smooth sweeps to remove the makeup.
- Frying and Roasting – Because of its high smoke point, coconut oil is perfect for frying and roasting. I use it to make just perfect tostones, which are twice fried plantains.
- Smoothie Fat – Coconut oil can be added to protein smoothies to add some satisfying and heavy fat.
- Hair Conditioner – A weekly conditioning with coconut oil will make your locks stronger, healthier, and softer.
- Body Lotion – In the dead of winter, there’s nothing better for healing dry skin than a good slathering of coconut oil. Coconut oil is good for helping to heal chapped skin, eczema, hives, and other skin conditions. It is moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and very soothing.
- Lube – While it’s not ideal for use with condoms (increases the risk of breakage), coconut oil makes a fine personal lubricant. It’s free from parabens, petroleum, glycerin, and other yucky stuff. Plus, it has the bonus of being a natural anti-fungal.
- Shave Cream – I’m not ideal for face shaving, but coconut oil works great as an alternative for shaving cream on the legs.
- Coconut Coffee – Some people are even adding coconut oil to their coffee.
- Lip Balm – To soothe dry, chapped lips, use coconut oil to make your own natural lip balm.
- Hair Defrizzer – After a blow-dry, I rub a small bit of coconut oil into my ends and to help smooth flyaways. It works like a charm and smells great too.
- Leather Polish – While you may not need to polish your leather shoes or bag every day, coconut oil can be used to bring life back to dry leather in need of a shine.
- Wood Polish – It also makes a great wood polish for adding moisture back into wood furniture. Try it first on a corner, though.
- Swap it for Butter – Use coconut oil in place of butter for a healthier fat and to impart flavor. It’s equally great in brownies, on top of a baked sweet potato, or in place of butter on toast.
- Fight Flub Rub – Coconut oil can be useful to prevent chafing–especially between thighs.
- Diaper Cream – Equally it’s also a nice alternative to diaper creams to protect baby’s bottom from moisture.
Related on EcoSalon
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5 Practical Coconut Oil Uses for Your Body
Is Coconut Oil Good for Your Skin or Just a Pain in Your Pores?
Image: Jar of Coconut Oil via Shutterstock