Tatjana Zlatkovic / Stocksy

In This Article

Coconut oil has beena staple skincare productfor centuries.

But coconut oil can also wreak havoc on some people’s skin, clogging pores andcontributing to acne.

So, how exactly do you know if coconut oil is the right product for you?

Two open coconut halves against a beige pillar on a beige floor

Tatjana Zlatkovic / Stocksy

Read on for what they told us.

Meet the Experts

What Is Coconut Oil?

“Coconut oil is considered to have a moderate to high comedogenic rating,” Shaurya tells us.

“This means it may clog pores for some people, particularly those with oily oracne-prone skin.”

He advises against using coconut oil on your face or only using it cautiously.

Many other skincare products are also known toclog pores, including oil-based products, thick creams, andemollients.

What Makes an Ingredient Pore-Clogging?

Some skincare products are comedogenic, which meansthey may clog your pores.

People are often wary of using comedogenic products because they can lead to acne.

“Heavier oils with larger molecules have a higher tendency to clog pores.”

According to Li, products with thicker consistency (like ointments) are generally more comedogenic.

Does the bang out of Coconut Oil Matter?

“It is generally considered less comedogenic [than] unrefined coconut oil,” she says.

Additionally, products that pair coconut oil with othernon-comedogenic ingredientsmay be less likely to clog pores, Shaurya says.

Skin jot down Considerations

Yourskin typeis another factor influencing whether coconut oil may be pore-clogging.

People with combination skin who haveoily T-zonesmay also have problems with coconut oil being comedogenic.

People with dry skin may be able to tolerate coconut oil as a moisturizer a bit better.

Coconut Oil Alternatives

Even if coconut oil isn’t right for you, you still have options.

Fortunately, there are many other options.

2018;9(1):5-14.