If your bathroom doesn’t yet contain a jar of virgin coconut oil, it might simply be because you haven’t read this article. Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a true cosmetic multitasker: emollient, antibacterial, well tolerated, and above all, effective—even on sensitive skin or skin prone to conditions like xerosis or atopic dermatitis (AD).
What Science Says (and it’s pretty enthusiastic)
VCO is primarily composed of medium-chain saturated triglycerides, which allow it to form a protective hydrophobic film. This film helps prevent water loss and supports the skin’s structure and suppleness.
In a study conducted by Agero A., topical application of VCO on patients with xerosis (very dry, thickened, itchy skin) significantly improved dryness, scaling, and roughness in just 14 days.
Another study, led by Mara E. and involving 117 patients with atopic dermatitis, compared VCO to mineral oil over an 8-week period:
- 47% of patients in the VCO group showed moderate improvement, and 46% showed excellent response.
- In the mineral oil group: 34% showed moderate improvement, and only 19% showed excellent response.
And that’s not all: transepidermal water loss (TEWL) dropped from 26.68 to 7.09 in the VCO group, compared to a more modest decrease from 24.12 to 13.55 in the mineral oil group. In other words, skin retains moisture better with virgin coconut oil.
And What About Its Antibacterial Side?
VCO doesn’t just hydrate—it protects. In a study by Verallo-Rowell V., 95% of patients showed no presence of Staphylococcus aureus on the tested skin area after 4 weeks of VCO application. The lauric acid in VCO, once converted into monolaurin by a lipase enzyme, acts as a destroyer of certain bacteria. In vitro, the membranes of gram-positive bacteria exposed to monolaurin were completely disintegrated within 10 minutes.
Of course, this isn’t about replacing medical disinfectants, but rather about offering a natural support for healthy, balanced skin.
Clearly, It’s Got More Than One Trick in Its nut
Hydrating, protective, antibacterial, well tolerated… Virgin coconut oil deserves a spot in your daily skincare ritual. And if you’re unsure which one to choose, ours is made from coconuts grown in French Polynesia, with a soft, natural coconut scent that transports you—no plane ticket required.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in this article is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any questions regarding your physical or mental health should be directed to a qualified healthcare professional. The author of this article cannot be held responsible for any use of the information shared herein.
Sources :
Mara E., Flordeliz A., Villafuerte L. (2013). The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International journal of dermatology. 53. 10.1111/ijd.12339.
Verallo-Rowell V., Dillague K., Syah-Tjundawan B. (2008). Novel Antibacterial and Emollient Effects of Coconut and Virgin Olive Oils in Adult Atopic Dermatitis. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug : official journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, North American Contact Dermatitis Group. 19. 308-15. 10.2310/6620.2008.08052.
Agero A., Verallo-Rowell V. (2004). A Randomized Double-Blind Controlled Trial Comparing Extra Virgin Coconut Oil with Mineral Oil as a Moisturizer for Mild to Moderate Xerosis. Dermatitis : contact, atopic, occupational, drug : official journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society, North American Contact Dermatitis Group. 15. 109-16. 10.2310/6620.2004.04006.