Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores? Which Oils Don't?

While coconut oil is often used in the kitchen, it can also be used on damaged hair and as a skin moisturizer for the body. Coconut oil should not be used on your face because it can easily clog pores.

There are many different types of oils on the market, with some of the most common varieties being olive oil, vegetable oil, peanut oil, and coconut oil. Each has different applications and comes with its own benefits. Most of the time, you’ll see these oils used in cooking or food preparation. However, they can also be used in other areas of your life. Oils can be used to make soaps, shampoos, moisturizers, and other hygiene and beauty products. So, you might then wonder, can coconut oil be used on your face, or does coconut oil clog pores? Which oils don’t?

Coconut oil, in particular, has risen in popularity in recent years. While coconut oil is often used in the kitchen, it can also be used on damaged hair and as a skin moisturizer for the body. But even though you can use it on the skin, many don't recommend using coconut oil on the face.

Coconut oil is one of the only plant-based sources of saturated fat. It’s typically harvested from mature coconut meat. Coconut oil has a rich flavor and produces a slight coconut smell. While coconut oil has many benefits, there are also some health concerns associated with consuming it. For example, since coconut oil is high in saturated fat, it increases blood levels of "bad" cholesterol, or LDL. Excessive levels of saturated fat in the body can also promote the collection of fatty deposits in the arteries, and increase the risk of heart disease.

Clogged pores happen when hair follicles and oil glands in the skin become blocked by an external substance. When pores become clogged, this often results in the formation of acne. Acne is common for many individuals and can affect people of various ages and races. Most individuals will be affected by acne at some point in their lifetime, and it is most commonly seen in people between the ages of 11 and 30. 

Acne symptoms depend on the location and severity. They can appear as whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. They’ll usually form as non-abscessed pimples or pus-filled cysts, and the latter of the two tends to rupture over time, leaving behind a larger abscess. Acne can occur anywhere on the body, but the most common places include the face, shoulders, neck, chest, and upper back. 

Some types of acne may be painful, and may leave scars. Acne can be similar in appearance to other skin conditions, so it’s important to speak to a doctor for a proper diagnosis. 

Clogged pores can be treated using various methods. Some examples include:

• Avoid comedogenic products 
• Cleanse your face two times a day 
• Use retinol products 
• Treat acne breakouts 
• Use sunscreen daily 
• Exfoliate 

You should also be gentle with your skin. When washing your skin, avoid scrubbing it. Scrubbing can lead to irritation which can cause your pores to appear larger than they are. Additionally, avoid habits that include picking at and squeezing your pores.

Coconut oil should not be used on your face. As a comedogenic oil, coconut oil can easily clog pores and cause imperfections such as blackheads. The molecules in coconut oil are too big to absorb properly into your skin. Instead, when coconut oil is applied to the face, the oil remains on your skin’s surface and causes sebum, an oily material formed in the sebaceous glands, to become stuck in your pores. 

Another disadvantage of using coconut oil on your face is that coconut oil tends to cause your skin to become too oily, resulting in a greasy appearance. 

However, coconut oil has natural anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, so some people may be able to use it as a moisturizer when mixed with sea salt or brown sugar. Using it on your skin should be done with care, and those more prone to acne breakouts should avoid using it on their face.

While there are certainly some disadvantages to using coconut oil, there are also some benefits. Although it’s not recommended to use coconut oil on your face, especially for those prone to breakouts, you can still use it in your hair. Because coconut oil contains high amounts of saturated fat, vitamins K and E, and iron, it can help promote hair growth and provide your hair with extra moisture. Adding coconut oil to your hair can also help prevent dandruff, fungus, lice, and other infections from occurring. 

Coconut oil can be used in baking as a substitute for unhealthy ingredients such as butter, eggs, and other oils. You can even use coconut oil to help give you a healthier smile. When used in the mouth, coconut oil helps to cure tooth decay, remedy bad breath, and kill bacteria. 

Olive oil, including extra virgin olive oil, is one oil that can be used to promote healthy skin. It doesn’t matter what skin type you have - whether you’re prone to acne or not, olive oil can moisturize and cleanse your skin. It has many properties that promote healthy skin, such as vitamin E and antioxidants. 

Olive oil is anti-microbial, non-toxic, and hypoallergenic, and it also contains oleocanthal and squalene, which can help stop aging and fix skin damage. It can be used as a hand moisturizer, eye-makeup remover, and shaving cream, and it can also be used to moisturize babies. 

Non-comedogenic oils are popular additions to skincare routines, especially those involving the face. These oils include: 

• Argan
• Evening primrose
• Grapeseed
• Hemp seed
• Jojoba
• Prickly pear seed
• Raspberry seed
• Rosehip 
• Sea buckthorn
• Tamanu 
• Watermelon seed

Oils that are marked as comedogenic should be avoided. These oils can trigger bad acne breakouts and other imperfections. These oils include:

• Avocado oil 
• Cocoa butter
• Corn oil 
• Mink oil
• Sesame oil
• Soybean oil