Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin
Here at Goat Milk Stuff, we are all about harnessing the power of natural ingredients and natural processes to create products that are complimentary and supportive to healthy skin, body and mind.
Coconut oil is one of the ingredients that over the years we have introduced to a number of our products, from lotions and soap to shampoo bars; but the versatility of this oil isn’t just contained to skincare. Its roots are very much in the kitchen with it being a key component in many recipes and exotic dishes.
What is Coconut Oil?
Coconut oil is an edible oil extracted from the meat (or kernel) of mature coconuts harvested from the coconut palm (cocos nucifera). At room temperature, especially in cooler climates, it typically solidifies into a creamy white butter, but it melts into a clear liquid above approximately 76°F (24°C).
This oil is primarily composed of saturated fats, particularly a high percentage of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid. These unique fatty acids are what give coconut oil many of its distinct properties and benefits, making it different from other fats. It is this component that has made organic coconut oil and refined coconut oil popular in health and wellness products.
What is the Native Region of Coconut Oil?
The coconut palm tree is synonymous with tropical paradises, and for good reason. Coconut oil is native to coastal tropical regions around the world, particularly in Southeast Asia (like the Philippines, Indonesia, and India), the Pacific Islands, and parts of Central and South America.
For thousands of years, coconuts have been a staple crop and a vital resource for food, drink, shelter, and medicine in these cultures. The palms thrive in sandy soils and warm humid climates, making them a quintessential part of the tropical landscape.
Does Coconut Oil Lighten the Skin?
This is a question that we commonly get asked, and the answer is generally no, coconut oil does not lighten your skin in the way a skin bleaching product would. While coconut oil is excellent for moisturizing and can help improve the overall health and appearance of your skin, it does not contain ingredients that reduce melanin production or actively lighten dark spots or hyperpigmentation.
However, by deeply hydrating the skin, improving its barrier function, and potentially reducing inflammation, it can contribute to a more even and radiant skin tone over time. Well-moisturized skin often looks healthier and brighter, but it won’t change your natural skin color.
Can You Use Coconut Oil on Your Face?
Many people swear by applying coconut oil to their face, and for good reason. It is a fantastic natural moisturizer that can help hydrate dry skin, soothe irritation, and even act as a gentle makeup remover.
As a moisturizer, a small amount can be warmed in your hands and gently massaged into the skin of your face, especially at night, to lock in moisture. As a makeup remover, it's surprisingly effective at breaking down even waterproof makeup without harsh chemicals through application to a cotton pad before gently rubbing into the skin. Another benefit of using coconut oil on the skin of the face is as part of an oil cleansing routine to dissolve impurities and excess sebum.
However, like any product, individual results vary. As coconut oil is highly emollient, people with very acne-prone skin or oily skin might find it a bit heavy, so we always recommend doing a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.
What is the Difference Between Coconut Oil and Olive Oil?
While both coconut oil and olive oil are beloved in kitchens and beauty routines, they have distinct differences and similarities.
While both coconut oil and olive oil derive from fruit trees, the olive tree is very different to the coconut palm. While coconut palms are native to South East Asia and tropical territories such as the Pacific Islands; olive trees are native to the Mediterranean basin and some Western Asian countries.
The two most significant differences are the fatty acid compositions, and the smoke points of these two natural oils. Coconut oil is made up predominately of saturated fats, especially those MCTs. Whereas olive oil is predominately monounsaturated fats (like oleic acid) and some polyunsaturated fats. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point than most olive oils, making it more suitable for high-heat cooking, with extra virgin olive oil better for lower-heat cooking, dressing and finishing dishes.
What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil?
First things first, not all coconut oil is created equal. Refined coconut oil has different properties than extra virgin coconut oil, for example. Cold-pressed coconut oil will also have more advantages than its refined counterpart, as it retains more nutrients.
So when considering adding this oil to your skincare routine, be sure to look for products that contain the right coconut oil for your skin, like our natural soaps. Some of the most prominent benefits of coconut oil for your skincare/beauty routine are:
- Soft and Smooth Skin: Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer that can make your skin feel soft and smooth. It's like a delicious treat for your skin!
- Anti-Aging: Coconut oil can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so you can keep that youthful glow.
- Healing Properties: Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It’s also ideal for sensitive skin and dry skin, making coconut oil good for most trickier skin types.
- Brightening Boost: Coconut oil contains vitamin E, which can help even out your skin tone and reduce dark spots.
Why Do We Use Coconut Oil in Soap?
By using our coconut oil goat milk soap, you can enjoy a bubbly lather that spreads easily on your skin without any heaviness. Plus, coconut oil has plenty of medium-chain fatty acids and is a natural moisturizer, which is crucial since many regular soaps can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dryness and irritation.
Keep your skin healthy and hydrated with our goat milk soap made with coconut oil.
Coconut Oil in Goat Milk Stuff Products
At Goat Milk Stuff, we prioritize using simple and wholesome ingredients that are reliable. We believe in full transparency, which is why every product on our website includes a complete list of ingredients in the product description.
For your convenience, we’ve provided a summary of the ingredients used in each item so that if you have allergies, you can easily identify the products that are safe for you to use and those that you should avoid. We offer various formulas for many of our items that use different ingredients, ensuring that even if you or a loved one has allergies, you still have options for using our goat milk soaps and other products.
It is important to note that while we make every effort to keep our items separate, our products are made in the same soap room and often share the same equipment. If you have an allergy to any of the ingredients used in our soap room, we advise against using any of our products. Please note that we don't use peanut oil or gluten in our soap room.
Below you will find a list of Goat Milk Stuff products that contain (and do not contain) coconut oil.
Accuracy. We have triple-checked these lists for accuracy, but cannot guarantee there are no errors. The individual ingredient list on each product page is always to be checked first. If you see any conflicts on these pages, please let us know right away.
These pages were last updated on 5/23/25 and do not include any products that were added after that date. If you do not see a bath & body item on the list, please let us know and we will make sure it is added.
Peanut and Gluten Allergies. We purchase our ingredients from outside suppliers. We cannot control the purity of the ingredients or whether they are produced in facilities that also process peanuts. The rolled oats that we use in our two scrub soaps are certified gluten-free.