20 Other Uses For Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil is by far the best oil for cooking with. It has a high saturated fat content (this is a good thing) and can withstand far higher heats, meaning it won’t oxidise and go rancid in the same way that other oils would.

Coconut Oil has got so many health benefits when eaten and cooked with; but what else can you do with it? As well as for cooking with, have you tried Coconut Oil for any of these things too? Perhaps it’s worth having a jar in every room…

In The Bathroom

1. 1. Conditioner – leave to soak in for half an hour – or overnight for a deep hair treatment
   2. Hair Styling – Use in place of hair gel
   3. Moisturiser – use as an all over moisturiser; it even smells good!
   4. Make Up Remover – far better than chemically laden commercial products, just use Coconut Oil
   5. Massage Oil – you can also add a few drops of essential oils
   6. Lip Balm – use to soften and protect your lips
   7. Toothpaste – Instead of using a commercial toothpaste, you can make your own using coconut oil as a base
   8. Exfoliation/ Body Scrub – mix with sea salt for an all over exfoliator
   9. Making Soap – use Coconut Oil as a base
   10. Deodorant – Check out some home-made recipes using the oil
   11. Aftershave – apply to soothe your skin

In The Medicine Cabinet

1. 1. Insect Bites – apply to the bite to start the healing process and stop the itching
   2. Insect Repellent – Get the Coconut Oil out before you've been bitten, mix it with peppermint oil and stop the insects attacking!
   3. Cuts, scrapes and bruises – apply to the area to promote healing and form a protective barrier
   4. After Sun – if you over did the sun and got a little burnt, Coconut Oil will soothe your skin
   5. Sun protection – you can also use the oil as a natural sun screen

In The Kitchen

1. 1. Oil your wooden chopping boards
   2. Season your iron cookware

In The Nursery

1. Babies Cradle Cap – a natural remedy for a dry scalp
2. Nappy (diaper) rash – use coconut oil instead of commercial products

What else do you use Coconut Oil for? Have you tried any of the uses above?

Other Everyday Uses for Coconut Oil

While coconut oil has gained mainstream attention for its role in cooking and natural beauty, its versatility stretches far beyond the kitchen and bathroom. This natural wonder product has so many clever uses, making it a must-have in every Paleo household. If you haven’t already stocked up, you may want to buy a few extra jars — you’ll be surprised just how many day-to-day issues coconut oil can help solve.

Around the House

Outside of cooking and skincare, coconut oil has countless uses around the home. Thanks to its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, it makes a brilliant and safe substitute for many chemical-laden household products.

• Furniture Polish: Mix coconut oil with a little lemon juice to create a natural polish for timber furniture. It nourishes the wood while leaving a subtle shine and pleasant scent.
• Leather Conditioner: Whether it’s boots, bags or a vintage lounge, coconut oil can help restore suppleness and prevent cracking.
• Sticky Residue Remover: Got sticker gunk on a jar or label residue on your fridge? Rub a bit of coconut oil into the sticky area, let it sit, then wipe clean.
• Lubricant for Squeaky Hinges: A tiny dab of coconut oil can silence that annoying door or cupboard squeak without resorting to synthetic sprays.
• Shine Stainless Steel: Rub coconut oil on stainless steel appliances for a streak-free shine — just buff with a microfibre cloth.

For Pets

If you're Paleo, chances are you care about what your pets are eating too. Coconut oil can be just as beneficial for your furry companions as it is for you — as long as it's used in moderation.

• Healthy Coat: Add a small amount to your dog or cat’s food to support skin and coat health. It can help reduce itching and promote a glossy coat.
• Natural Paw Balm: Rub a bit on your pet’s paw pads to protect them from hot pavement or dry, cracked surfaces. It’s safe even if they lick it.
• Dental Health: Some pet owners use coconut oil as a base to brush their dog’s teeth. The mild antibacterial properties may help reduce tartar and freshen breath.

Natural Remedies and Wellness

Beyond cuts and sunburn, coconut oil has a variety of everyday health uses that can easily become part of your wellness routine.

• Oil Pulling: A popular Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes to help detoxify the mouth and whiten teeth. It’s also a great natural breath freshener.
• Hormone Support: Due to its fat content, coconut oil is often praised for supporting hormone production and balance, particularly in women with low-fat diets or during perimenopause.
• Cold Sore Relief: Apply a dab to the affected area to soothe pain and potentially help speed healing thanks to its antiviral properties.
• Nose Balm: If you suffer from dry nostrils in winter or after too much air-con, a light dab of coconut oil inside your nostrils can prevent cracking and soothe irritation.

In Your Beauty Routine

While many already use coconut oil for moisturising or make-up removal, there are even more beauty hacks to try:

• Makeup Brush Cleaner: Melt coconut oil and mix with antibacterial soap to deep-clean your makeup brushes and remove stubborn product build-up.
• Cuticle Oil: Rub a small amount into your nails to prevent dry or split cuticles and strengthen brittle nails.
• Highlighter: Dab a little on your cheekbones and collarbones for a subtle, natural glow without the shimmer of makeup.

On the Go

Coconut oil isn’t just for home use — keep a travel-size container in your bag or car for emergencies. It’s incredibly helpful when you’re out and about:

• Chafing Prevention: Apply to areas prone to rubbing (like inner thighs or underarms) before a walk or workout to prevent irritation.
• Lip Rescue: Forgot your lip balm? Coconut oil to the rescue — it hydrates and protects lips without synthetic ingredients.
• Quick Moisturiser: Dry elbows, hands, or knees? A little coconut oil absorbs quickly and smells lovely too.

Important Considerations

While coconut oil is incredibly versatile, it’s important to use it appropriately. Some surfaces — like suede or unsealed stone — may stain with oil. Always test on a small area first. And when using it topically on pets or children, make sure they don’t ingest large amounts unintentionally.

As with all oils, storage is key. Keep coconut oil in a cool, dark place with the lid tightly secured. In warm Australian climates, it will often liquefy — but that’s completely normal and doesn’t affect quality.

Final Word

From nourishing your skin to caring for your pets, and even polishing your furniture, coconut oil is an incredibly resourceful addition to a Paleo lifestyle. Its all-natural profile, pleasant aroma, and gentle properties make it one of the most versatile staples to keep on hand.

Have you discovered a unique use for coconut oil not mentioned here? Share your tips in the comments and let’s keep expanding this all-natural toolkit.