10 Alternative Uses For Coconut Oil
The benefits of coconut oil are pretty much endless—and with a wide array of health benefits from beauty to baking, it's safe to say this all-natural oil is a staple in our pantry. Here are 10 ways we like to use coconut oil in our home.
Image via Rip and Tan
The benefits of coconut oil are pretty much endless—and with a wide array of health benefits from beauty to baking, it's safe to say this all-natural oil is a staple in our pantry.
Coconut oil is made from the the fruit of the coconut palm tree and boasts a unique combination of fatty-acids that your body can use for energy, to curb your appetite and even boost immune function. It's also been proven to support a healthy heart.
Naturally gluten-free and vegan, this superfood is surprisingly versatile. Below, find some of my ways to use coconut oil:
1. Cooking Oil—I like to swap out conventional cooking oils or butter for this healthy alternative, whether it's in a stir fry or slathered on toast. This is an easy and delicious way to start adding more coconut to your diet. You can find organic, virgin coconut oil at most grocery stores. We love the Dr. Bronner's and Trader Joe's brands.
2. Deep Conditioner—A natural, affordable alternative to expensive deep conditioning treatments, coconut oil makes a fantastic hair mask. I like to leave it in my hair for 15-20 minutes before showering so that my hair really soaks it all in. I then shampoo and rinse as usual. The result? Silky, smooth locks that feel like I just left the salon.
3. Body & Facial Moisturizer—When used topically, coconut oil can help prevent free-radical damage and premature aging. It's particularly great for those with sensitive skin.
4. First-Aid Remedy—Coconut oil boasts anti-bacterial properties which makes it a safe, natural remedy for small cuts and scrapes. It can also help aid in the of healing of scars, bug bites and sunburn.
5. Oral Rinse & Teeth Whitening Aid—Oil pulling is an ancient, Ayurvedic practice for both cleansing and whitening your teeth. It involves the act of swishing organic, cold-pressed coconut oil around your mouth to draw out (or "pull") impurities and toxins from your teeth and gums. Prior to brushing, swish a spoonful of oil around your mouth for between 5-15 minutes, then spit the oil out. It's important that you not gargle with or swallow the oil, as it's now filled with the toxins and plaque that you just "pulled" from your mouth.
6. Digestive Aid—A spoonful a day keeps the doctor away. Coconut oil is packed with essential nutrients and vitamins that help aid in healthy digestive function. Try adding a spoonful to your coffee or tea to reap all of the benefits.
7. Makeup Remover—Coconut oil is a gentle, incredibly effective makeup remover. I like to use it before cleansing to remove stubborn eye makeup. You can mix in some skin-safe essential oils or honey, or use it alone.
8. DIY Lip Scrub—I mix a little bit of coconut oil and brown sugar together to form a paste and then use it to scrub off any dead skin or rough patches on my lips. The result? A soft, smooth surface. It's a great way to prep your lips for balm or lipstick.
9. Household Cleaner—Coconut oil is a gentle, effective way to remove dirt and impurities from your home. I like to use it as a dish cleaning aid, to remove soap scum and grime from the bathroom and as a stain polish.
10. Pet Wash—Our puppy has sensitive skin that reacts to a lot of chemical ingredients. We like to use coconut oil as a natural and safe alternative to sulfate-filled shampoos. It helps keep his coat shiny and clean.
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Good Clean Beauty: My ILIA Beauty Picks
How can a non-toxic, natural line be this good?
I was introduced to ILIA a few years ago when I first started to dip my toes into the world of clean beauty. I remember my first product, lipstick in the shade In My Room, and being so impressed. The formula was creamy and long-lasting, the color was so flattering. And I thought, how can a non-toxic, natural product be that good?
But natural beauty products come a long way since then and Ilia continues to be one of my old standbys for everyday beauty. I even started gifting the brand to my family and friends, because I know they'll convert once they see just how lovely the formulas are.
ILIA uses only the purest, sustainable ingredients. Each product is filled with good-for-your-skin active botanicals that nourish your skin, not just cover it up. I love the endless options of pigments for creating beautiful looks. The products are super long-lasting, too, which I love because I like to look fresh all day and not have to re-apply.
I recently put ILIA products to the test and let me just say, I am SO impressed. After hiking 10 miles in the heat these products stayed put and I didn't feel like I was wearing anything at all. I like to look put together and protect my skin, always, but not actually feel like I'm wearing anything. My skin but better, you know? I also love the I can share these product with my little sister who's just starting to get into makeup and know that she's using the best, safest products possible.
Here are some of my favorite ILIA products and find out how to get the look (above):
The Cucumber Water Stick was my best friend. I glided it over my temples and eye area, cheekbones and bridge of my nose. It's like a toner in a solid formula that really perked up my skin, giving a cooling sensation that depuffs and hydrates—and it feels amazing. Because it's colorless, you don't have to worry about not having a mirror to apply. It's pretty much foolproof, giving me that really pretty, natural glisten that you get after exercise or spending all day in the sun. This is one product I don't mind carrying around with me throughout the day. And if you travel a lot, you'll love that the size and packaging is TSA approved. Perfect for Summer! I like to keep mine in the fridge for extra cooling powers.
ILIA Sheer Vivid Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 (swatched above) has been on constant rotation in my routine this summer. The formula is semi-matte and looks like skin, but better. I absolutely love this lightweight product and that is gives me extra SPF protection throughout the day. I layer it over my daily sunscreen and it applies beautifully. You can't tell I'm wearing anything at all, but it helps diffuse redness and any imperfections that may be there. It helps fight free radicals and pollution, but still allows my skin and freckles to peek through. And it feels super moisturizing, like my skin is getting better the more I keep using it. I absolutely love it!
ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Bombora is the perfect summer color. It's a lip balm, lipstick and SPF hybrid with a really gorgeous, universally flattering peachy orange hue. It's honestly my new favorite lip color, especially for nighttime when I come back from the beach with a golden tan. It's filled with great ingredients like cocoa and shea butters to hydrate, zinc oxide for natural SPF (I don't use anything with chemicals). The color is buildable, so you can apply a sheer wash of color or build it up for a bolder look. It's moisturizing and makes my lips feel super soft all day.
Like my look, as seen above? Here are the ILIA products I used to get it!
ILIA Cucumber Water Stick
ILIA Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Hanalei
ILIA Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Bonbora
ILIA Mascara in Shadow of a Doubt
ILIA Pure Eyeliner in Sweet Jane (also used on brows)
ILIA Illuminator in Cosmic Dancer
ILIA Multi-Stick in I Put a Spell on You
Shop them all on ILIA's website. Shipping is free on orders $75+!
