Coconut oil

Coconut oil is widely rated as highly comedogenic (pore-clogging) in dermatology and skincare references because it is rich in lauric acid and other saturated, occlusive fats, and many dermatologists advise people with acne-prone facial skin to avoid it. How much it clogs pores varies from person to person and with the formulation, so some people tolerate it while others break out. Patch-test on a small area before using it on your face.

It depends on your skin type. As an emollient it is an effective moisturiser — a randomised, double-blind paediatric trial found virgin coconut oil improved dry, eczema-prone skin (lower SCORAD score and less water loss) better than mineral oil. But for acne-prone or oily facial skin it is often too occlusive and pore-clogging, and is generally not recommended on the face.

Coconut oil’s main fatty acid, lauric acid, has shown strong antibacterial activity against the acne-associated bacterium Cutibacterium (Propionibacterium) acnes in laboratory and animal studies, which is why it is sometimes promoted for acne. However, whole coconut oil is also highly occlusive and comedogenic, so applied to the face it can trigger or worsen breakouts in many people — an isolated fatty acid is not the same as the whole oil. For active acne, evidence-based treatments and a dermatologist’s advice are more reliable.

It is a natural plant oil pressed from the flesh (kernel) of the coconut, Cocos nucifera; its INCI name is Cocos Nucifera Oil. Being natural does not mean it suits every skin type — it is a well-tolerated moisturiser for dry skin but can be problematic on acne-prone facial skin.

For dry and eczema-prone skin coconut oil is generally a helpful emollient — a double-blind paediatric trial found virgin coconut oil reduced eczema severity and improved skin-barrier hydration more than mineral oil. Even so, patch-test first, avoid it on the face if you are also acne-prone, and treat it as a moisturiser rather than a replacement for prescribed eczema treatment.