In our reference data, Coconut (Cocos Nucifera) Oil can feed Malassezia (fungal acne).
Coconut oil is a plant-derived emollient and occlusive composed mainly of medium-chain saturated fatty acids (notably lauric acid), used to soften skin and reduce transepidermal water loss. It also has mild antimicrobial properties attributed to its fatty acid content.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Comedogenicity (clogged pores, acne flare) | Common | Rated highly comedogenic; may worsen acne in acne-prone or oily skin. |
Contact dermatitis / skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild redness or irritation possible, more often from coconut-derived surfactants than the pure oil. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | True allergy to coconut oil is uncommon despite widespread use. |
Folliculitis | Rare | Occlusive nature may contribute to follicular inflammation in susceptible individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.