For centuries, people have turned to natural oils—like coconut, shea butter, and olive oil—to keep their skin soft, glowing, and healthy. These simple, plant-based remedies were the original skincare staples, known for their ability to hydrate, protect, and even fight bacteria.
Yet somewhere along the way, the beauty industry shifted to bottles filled with chemicals, fragrances, and additives—pushing natural oils to the background. Now, they’re making a powerful comeback. Affordable, effective, and free of unnecessary fillers, natural oils are once again becoming must-haves for anyone seeking healthier, radiant skin.
In this guide, you’ll discover the unique benefits of different natural oils, who they work best for, and how to use them in your daily routine for a natural glow.
Are Coconut Oil and Other Oils Safe for Your Skin and Hair?
Natural oils have been trusted for skincare for thousands of years. In fact, ancient Egyptians and Greeks used olive oil not just for beauty but also to help treat skin conditions.
According to Dr. Rajani Katta, a dermatologist and faculty member at Baylor College of Medicine, we have centuries of proof that oils like coconut, olive, and sunflower seed oil are generally safe and rarely cause allergic reactions. She explains that people are turning back to natural oils because they’re affordable, gentle, and contain fewer chemicals that can trigger irritation.
That said, your skin type matters. If you struggle with acne, for example, it’s best to use oils mainly on your body and check with a dermatologist before applying them to your face. Dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin can all respond differently to natural oils, so it’s important to listen to your skin.
Another factor to keep in mind is sun exposure. Since oils can intensify the sun’s effect on your skin, be careful when applying them to your face during the day. Dr. Katta recommends using only a thin layer in the morning (it should absorb within about 15 minutes) and always applying sunscreen before going outside. At night, when you’re safe from the sun, you can use oils more generously. If your skin still feels greasy after 15 minutes, that’s a sign you’ve used too much.
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How to Apply Natural Oils to Your Face and Body
When it comes to using natural oils, your face and body need different care. Dermatologist Dr. Katta explains that she doesn’t usually recommend applying oils to acne-prone faces, since oils can sometimes clog pores and make breakouts worse. But the same person who struggles with acne on their face could still benefit from coconut oil as a body moisturizer—it works beautifully on areas like arms and legs.
Finding the right amount of oil often takes a little trial and error. There’s no set rule for how much to use, but your skin will guide you. If it feels soft and nourished, you’ve probably used the right amount. If it feels heavy or greasy, that means your skin hasn’t absorbed it all, and you may have applied too much.
Cooking Oils vs. Unrefined Oils: Is There a Difference?
You might already have oils like olive, sunflower, or coconut oil in your kitchen—but can you use those same oils on your skin? The answer: not always.
For example, coconut oil can be used for both cooking and skincare, but the type matters. The refined coconut oil commonly used in cooking is processed to handle higher heat, which can remove some of its natural nutrients. For skincare and haircare, Dr. Katta recommends choosing extra-virgin, cold-pressed, organic, unrefined oils. These keep more of their natural properties intact and are better for nourishing your skin and hair.
How to Use Essential Oils for Beauty
Essential oils are strong plant extracts made through pressing or distillation. They keep the natural smell and flavor of the plant.
Some oils, like tea tree, argan, and lemon oil, are more likely to cause skin allergies than gentler oils like olive or coconut oil. Tea tree oil is often praised for being antibacterial and antifungal, but it must be used carefully. Doctors warn that it can cause allergic reactions, especially if applied to broken or cracked skin, such as areas with eczema.
If you have very sensitive skin, it may be best to avoid essential oils on your skin. For most people, they can be safe when used the right way. Essential oils should always be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil or olive oil) before use. Usually, just a couple of drops mixed into a carrier oil is enough.
Some oils are more likely to cause problems than others. Oils from cloves, cinnamon, lavender, and lemon can often trigger allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin or eczema.
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Pregnant women and new mothers should always talk to a healthcare provider before using essential oils to make sure they are safe.
Where to Start With Natural Oils for Skin Care
Before trying any oils on your skin, it’s best to check with your doctor. Still, here are some popular natural oils you can consider:
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil absorbs easily and contains vitamins E and K. It also has antifungal and antibacterial properties. However, it can clog pores and cause breakouts, especially on oily or acne-prone skin. It’s usually safer for the body than the face. Look for cold-pressed, unrefined coconut oil. -
Olive Oil
Extra-virgin olive oil is gentle and rarely causes allergies. It has vitamins A, D, E, and K, and works well as a body moisturizer because of its rich texture. But it may not be the best choice for acne-prone skin, since it can clog pores. Lighter oils like sunflower, safflower, or jojoba may be better in that case. -
Sunflower Seed Oil
Sunflower oil is high in vitamin E, absorbs quickly, and helps protect the skin barrier. Studies show it works well as a moisturizer and is gentle enough even for babies with eczema. -
Shea Butter
Shea butter comes from the nuts of the African shea tree. It’s solid at room temperature but melts on the skin, making it a popular natural moisturizer. It can also be blended with coconut or olive oil for a smoother texture. Allergic reactions to shea butter are uncommon. -
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil, from plants in Mexico and the Southwest U.S., is similar to the skin’s natural oils. It is well tolerated and may help with inflammation and wound healing. Allergies to jojoba are rare. -
Almond Oil
Almond oil is rich in vitamin E, zinc, and protein, with a light texture that feels nice on the face. However, sweet almond oil can sometimes cause allergic reactions, so it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin. -
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is lightweight and contains vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It may help fight inflammation and microbes. While it’s not as widely used as other oils, it shows promise and doesn’t usually cause allergic reactions. -
Rose Hip Seed Oil
Rose hip seed oil comes from wild rose bushes and is popular in anti-aging skin products. It has antioxidants and fatty acids that help fight inflammation, reduce skin damage, and may improve conditions like eczema.
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Conclusion
Natural oils like coconut, olive, and sunflower can be great additions to your skin and hair care routine. They are affordable, nourishing, and usually gentle on the skin. However, it’s important to use them wisely and check with your healthcare provider before adding them to your routine, especially if you have sensitive skin, are pregnant, or are a new mom.