50+ Ways to Use Coconut Oil (Kitchen, Skin, Hair, Home & More)

One jar, a hundred jobs. Coconut oil is the ultimate multitasker — it cooks, moisturizes, conditions, cleans, and soothes. This is our big, organized list of 50+ genuinely useful ways to use coconut oil, sorted by kitchen, skin, hair, oral care, home, and more — plus which type of coconut oil to grab for each.

Bookmark this page — it’s the one to return to whenever you’re staring at your jar wondering “what else can I do with this?” Let’s dig into the list.

Which Type of Coconut Oil for Which Use?

Before the list, a 10-second cheat sheet. Matching the grade to the job gives the best results — and stops you using a cooking oil where a beauty oil belongs.

Want more detail on grades? See our best coconut oil buying guide, the cooking guide, the fractionated oil guide, and the MCT oil guide.

The One Jar That Does Most of This

If you want a single, do-it-all jar for the majority of the uses below, choose a clean organic virgin coconut oil. Here’s our pick.

⭐ Editor’s Top Pick — Best All-Purpose Jar

Nature’s Way Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

MOST VERSATILE

Why we picked it: This organic, cold-pressed extra-virgin coconut oil is the true all-rounder — pure, unrefined, and mild enough to cover cooking, skin, hair, and oral care from one big jar. It’s non-GMO, single-ingredient, and a fantastic value, which is exactly what you want for a jar you’ll reach for constantly across this list.

• Type: Extra-virgin
• Size: 32 fl oz jar
• Purity: 100% organic
• Process: Cold-pressed
• Best for: Almost everything
• Certifications: USDA Organic

• ✅ Covers most uses in this guide
• ✅ Organic & unrefined
• ✅ Big value jar — lasts for months
• ✅ Single ingredient, non-GMO
• ✅ Kitchen + bathroom multitasker

🛒 Buy from Amazon →

Check the latest price & reviews on Amazon. Price and availability can change.

Best for: anyone who wants one clean, organic jar to work through this whole list.

🤝 Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’d use ourselves.

Three oils for the whole list, compared

One virgin jar covers most uses; add a refined tub for high heat and a fractionated bottle for light beauty use.

Kitchen & Cooking Uses (1–12)

Coconut oil is a genuine kitchen workhorse. Use refined for high heat and virgin for flavor and baking. More detail in our cooking guide.

1. Sautéing & stir-frying — refined oil for a neutral, high-heat cook.
2. Frying eggs & hash browns — crisp results without sticking.
3. Roasting vegetables — extra-crisp edges on potatoes and sprouts.
4. Baking — a 1:1 butter swap in cookies, muffins, and cakes.
5. Dairy-free “butter” — spread or bake with it in place of butter.
6. Stovetop popcorn — that classic movie-theater aroma.
7. Greasing pans — a natural non-stick coating.
8. Curries & tropical dishes — virgin oil adds authentic depth.
9. Smoothies — a spoonful for creamy texture and energy.
10. Coffee creamer — blend in for a rich, frothy cup (or use MCT oil).
11. Homemade granola — binds oats and adds a subtle sweetness.
12. Chocolate & fat bombs — sets firm for no-bake treats and keto snacks.

Skin & Body Uses (13–26)

This is where coconut oil shines for many people. Use virgin for rich moisture or fractionated for a light, fast-absorbing feel. See our coconut oil for skin guide for the full rundown.

13. Body moisturizer — smooth onto damp skin after a shower.
14. Face moisturizer — a thin layer at night (patch test if acne-prone).
15. Makeup remover — dissolves even waterproof makeup.
16. Lip balm — a dab softens dry, chapped lips.
17. Cuticle & nail oil — massage into cuticles to soften.
18. Shaving oil — a smooth, close, moisturizing shave.
19. After-sun soother — comfort for warm, dry skin (not a sunscreen).
20. Cracked heels & elbows — rich overnight treatment (add socks).
21. Body scrub base — mix with sugar or salt for a DIY exfoliant.
22. Massage oil — fractionated glides best and won’t stain.
23. Hand cream — for dry, hardworking hands.
24. Cuticle-to-toe softener — great for rough feet before bed.
25. DIY body butter — whip with shea for a luxe cream.
26. Tattoo aftercare moisture — keep healed tattoos supple (follow your artist’s advice).

Hair Uses (27–36)

From deep conditioning to frizz control, coconut oil is a hair-care staple. Full method in our coconut oil for hair guide.

27. Pre-wash deep treatment — apply 30+ minutes before shampooing.
28. Deep conditioner — mid-lengths to ends, then rinse.
29. Frizz & flyaway tamer — a tiny bit smooths the surface.
30. Split-end sealer — dab on ends between trims.
31. Scalp massage oil — soothes a dry, flaky scalp.
32. Shine booster — a light finish for dull hair.
33. Heat-styling buffer — a small amount before blow-drying.
34. Detangler — eases knots in dry or curly hair.
35. Beard oil — softens and tames facial hair.
36. Leave-in for curls — fractionated keeps curls light, not greasy.

Oral & Wellness Uses (37–43)

A few gentle, popular wellness uses. These are complements to good habits, not medical treatments.

37. Oil pulling — swish for fresher breath (see our oil pulling guide).
38. Natural “toothpaste” base — mixed with baking soda by some DIYers.
39. Lip & nose comfort — a dab for dryness during colds.
40. Massage carrier — dilute essential oils safely (fractionated is ideal).
41. Cracked-skin comfort — soothe dry knuckles and heels.
42. Post-workout skin — a light moisturizer after showering.
43. Aromatherapy base — blend with essential oils for roll-ons.

Home & Household Uses (44–52)

Coconut oil earns its keep beyond the body, too.

44. Wood conditioner — buff cutting boards and wooden spoons.
45. Leather polish — a thin coat revives dull leather (spot-test first).
46. Squeaky hinge lubricant — a dab quiets a noisy door.
47. Sticky-residue remover — lifts label goo and gum.
48. Season cast iron — a light layer helps maintain the finish.
49. Shine houseplants — a tiny bit on leaves adds gloss.
50. Zipper un-sticker — frees a stubborn zip.
51. Bronze & metal polish — buff up dull hardware (spot-test).
52. DIY candle & salve base — a common ingredient in homemade balms.

Baby & Pet Uses (53–56)

Gentle uses that need extra care. Always check with a professional first.

53. Baby skin moisturizer — many parents use a little on dry patches (ask your pediatrician).
54. Cradle-cap comfort — a small amount to soften flakes (ask your pediatrician).
55. Dog coat & paw balm — small topical use for shine and cracked paws (see our coconut oil for dogs guide and ask your vet).
56. Pet-safe treat topper — a lick-sized amount, with your vet’s okay.

Fifty-plus uses from one jar — that’s why coconut oil earns permanent shelf space in kitchens and bathrooms around the world.

Quick Safety Notes

• Patch test new skin uses, especially if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin.
• Moderation for edible uses — it’s high in saturated fat.
• Ask a professional before baby, pet, or health-related uses.
• Right grade, right job — refined for high heat, fractionated for light beauty use.
• Coconut allergy? Avoid it and check with a doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular use for coconut oil?

Cooking and skin moisturizing top the list, followed by hair conditioning and oil pulling. Its versatility across kitchen and beauty is exactly why it’s so popular.

Can I use the same coconut oil for cooking and skin?

Yes — a pure virgin coconut oil works for both. Just use separate scoops with a clean, dry spoon to keep the jar fresh, or keep a small jar for the bathroom.

Which coconut oil is best for skin and hair?

Unrefined virgin coconut oil for rich moisture and deep conditioning, or fractionated coconut oil for a lighter, non-greasy, odorless feel.

Is coconut oil good for cleaning around the house?

For certain jobs, yes — conditioning wood, removing sticky residue, and polishing leather or metal. Always spot-test on an inconspicuous area first.

How should I store coconut oil for all these uses?

Keep it in a cool, dark cupboard with the lid on and use a clean, dry spoon. It stays good for a year or more and shifts between solid and liquid harmlessly.

The Bottom Line

Coconut oil is one of the most versatile products you can own — cooking, skin, hair, oral care, home, and more, all from a single jar. Grab a clean organic virgin oil like Nature’s Way Organic Extra-Virgin for most of this list, add a refined tub for high-heat cooking, and a fractionated bottle for light beauty use. Then work your way through these 50+ ideas — and bookmark this page for next time.