Coconut oil is wonderful to cook with, but did you know it is a makeup remover too? Coconut oil is gentle yet extremely effective at removing makeup.

Why Coconut Oil Is Effective For Makeup Remover

Coconut oil not only works better than traditional makeup removers, but it has additional benefits like locking in moisture and delivering antioxidants to skin. It's antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties make coconut oil an excellent choice for acne prone skin.

And it’s convenient – find at any grocery store and can be used on face and eyes.

Top reasons for using coconut oil to remove makeup:

Non-drying and does not leave skin feeling stripped
Loosens makeup and dirt gently, without having to rub or tug the skin
Can be use on eyes too - non-irritating with no burning or stinging
Antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties

Avoid Traditional Makeup Removers

Coconut oil is one of the safest and purest ingredients to use on your face.

Traditional makeup removers are water-based, which require a strong preservative to prevent things like mold from forming. The lauric acid in coconut oil gives it antiviral, antibacterial, and anti fungal properties, and there are no added preservatives or other ingredients. Pure coconut oil (like the one used in your kitchen) is a perfectly safe and effective beauty product.

Harmful ingredients commonly found in makeup removers include the following:

Polyethylene glycols (PEGs) - widely used in cosmetics as surfactants, emulsifiers, cleansing agents, humectants, and skin conditioners. PEGs are also used to help retain moisture and enhance penetration of ingredients. The concern of PEGs lies in the impurities 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide. which are carcinogenic and associated with reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, and DNA damage.[1][2]
Propylene Glycol - skin irritant associated with contact dermatitis.[3]
Fragrance - a mix of fragrance and chemicals which are associated with allergies, dermatitis, respiratory distress and potential effects on the reproductive system.[4][5][6][7] Studies have revealed toxic ingredients in fragrance such as phthalates, octoxynols, and butylphenol methylpropianol. Additionally, fragrances emit harmful volatile organic compounds and fragrance is one the 5 common allergens found in cosmetics. To learn more about why you want to avoid fragranced products, head to this blog post.
Phenoxyethanol – a preservative that is a skin, eye, or lung irritant. In 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to use Mommy’s Bliss Nipple cream because it contained phenoxyethanol which was harmful to infants. The statement indicated phenoxyethanol could “depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.” [4]

How To Remove Makeup With Coconut Oil

Warm a quarter size amount of oil between fingertips.
Massage gently over dry face, eyes, and neck in a circular motion.
Wipe away with a warm, wet washcloth.
Follow up with face cleanser.

With the heat of your hands, coconut oil becomes slippery making it gentle on delicate skin, particularly the eye area.

Coco Tube Coconut Oil Dispenser

Transfer coconut oil from a tub into a Coco Tube for ease of use. Coco Tubes are made of silicone and are leak-proof. When the coconut oil hardens (this occurs at temperatures below 76 degrees Fahrenheit), you can massage the tube to soften the oil and squeeze it out.

Coco Tubes hold 2,4 ounces and are great for travel as well.

Switch

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm contains PEGs and phenoxyethanol.
Neutrogena’s makeup wipes contain fragrance, PEGs, and phenoxyethanol.
Bioderma Sensibio H2O contains PEGs and propylene glycol.

How To Buy

Look for organic coconut oil like CocoGoods, Nutiva, or Spectrum. RMS Beauty makes a raw coconut oil that is wonderful also. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.