Is Coconut Oil Bad for Acne? What Science Says

Coconut oil has been praised as a miracle ingredient for everything from cooking to skincare. Natural beauty enthusiasts often recommend it as a moisturizer, makeup remover, and even an acne treatment. But if you have acne-prone skin, coconut oil might be one of the worst things you can put on your face.

The truth is that coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it has a strong tendency to clog pores. Let us dive into the science behind why coconut oil and acne do not mix.

Coconut Oil Comedogenic Rating

The comedogenic scale rates ingredients from 0 (will not clog pores) to 5 (high likelihood of clogging pores):

Rating	Likelihood of Clogging Pores
0	Will not clog pores
1	Very low
2	Moderately low
3	Moderate
4	Fairly high
5	High

Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5.

This is one of the highest ratings on the scale. For comparison:

Ingredient	Comedogenic Rating
Coconut oil	4
Cocoa butter	4
Wheat germ oil	5
Shea butter	0-2
Jojoba oil	2
Argan oil	0
Squalane	0-1

With a rating of 4, coconut oil poses a significant risk of clogging pores and causing breakouts, especially for those already prone to acne.

Why Coconut Oil Clogs Pores

High in Lauric Acid

Coconut oil is approximately 50% lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. While lauric acid has antibacterial properties (which is why some claim coconut oil fights acne), its molecular structure makes it prone to clogging pores.

Thick and Occlusive

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and creates a thick barrier on the skin. While this can be beneficial for very dry skin on the body, on the face it can:

Trap sebum underneath
Prevent dead skin cells from shedding
Create an environment where bacteria thrive

Does Not Absorb Well

Unlike lighter oils such as squalane or jojoba, coconut oil sits on top of the skin rather than absorbing. This residue can accumulate in pores over time.

The Coconut Oil and Acne Paradox

Some people claim coconut oil actually helps their acne. How is this possible if it is so comedogenic?

Individual Variation

Comedogenic ratings are based on averages. Some individuals may not react to coconut oil, while others break out severely. However, if you are already acne-prone, the odds are against you.

Antibacterial Properties

Lauric acid does have antibacterial properties against P. acnes, the bacteria involved in acne. However, the pore-clogging effects typically outweigh any antibacterial benefit.

Confirmation Bias

People who do not react to coconut oil are more likely to talk about it. Those who broke out may not connect it to the coconut oil, especially if reactions take days or weeks to appear.

It Works Elsewhere

Coconut oil may work well on your body or hair without causing issues. The skin on your face is different, thinner, and has more oil glands that can become clogged.

Signs Coconut Oil is Causing Your Breakouts

If you have been using coconut oil and are experiencing any of these issues, it may be the culprit:

Closed comedones: Small, flesh-colored bumps, especially on forehead and cheeks
Whiteheads and blackheads: Increased clogged pores
New breakouts in areas you apply coconut oil: Clear correlation with application areas
Delayed breakouts: Acne appearing days or weeks after starting use
Texture changes: Skin feeling rough or bumpy despite moisturization

Coconut Oil Derivatives: Are They Safe?

Coconut oil derivatives are different from pure coconut oil and may have different comedogenic ratings:

Derivative	Comedogenic Rating	Notes
Coconut oil (pure)	4	Highly comedogenic
Fractionated coconut oil	2-3	Lighter, but still risky
Caprylic/capric triglyceride	0-1	Safe for most
Sodium cocoyl isethionate	0-1	Gentle surfactant, safe
Coco-glucoside	0-1	Gentle surfactant, safe
Lauric acid	4	Isolated component, comedogenic

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is often derived from coconut oil but is a completely different ingredient. It is lightweight, non-comedogenic, and safe for acne-prone skin.

What Dermatologists Say

Most dermatologists advise against using coconut oil on acne-prone skin:

Dr. Joshua Zeichner (Mount Sinai): "Coconut oil is known to be comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores and worsen acne."
American Academy of Dermatology: Recommends non-comedogenic products for acne-prone skin and lists coconut oil as a potential pore-clogger.
Dr. Hadley King: "While coconut oil has some beneficial properties, it is not recommended for acne-prone skin due to its high comedogenic rating."

Better Oil Alternatives for Acne-Prone Skin

If you love using oils in your skincare routine, these are safer options:

Oil	Comedogenic Rating	Benefits
Squalane	0-1	Lightweight, mimics skin sebum
Hemp seed oil	0	Balancing, anti-inflammatory
Grapeseed oil	1	Light, antioxidant-rich
Rosehip oil	1	Vitamin A, regenerating
Argan oil	0	Nourishing, absorbs well
Jojoba oil	2	Similar to skin sebum
Sunflower oil	0	Barrier support

Squalane: The Best Alternative

Squalane (derived from olives or sugarcane) is often considered the best oil for acne-prone skin because:

Comedogenic rating of 0-1
Mimics your skin natural oils
Lightweight and absorbs quickly
Does not leave a greasy residue
Anti-inflammatory properties

What If You Already Use Coconut Oil?

How to Transition Away

Stop using it on your face immediately: Continue using it on your body or hair if you wish.
Switch to a non-comedogenic alternative: Try squalane, argan oil, or a lightweight moisturizer.
Be patient: It may take 4-8 weeks for clogged pores to clear.
Consider a gentle exfoliant: Salicylic acid can help clear clogged pores.

What About Coconut Oil for Makeup Removal?

Using coconut oil as a first cleanser (oil cleansing method) is less problematic than leaving it on your skin because you rinse it off. However, there is still risk of residue remaining. Safer alternatives for oil cleansing include:

Micellar water
Cleansing oils formulated to rinse clean
Non-comedogenic oil cleansers
Squalane-based cleansers

Coconut Oil Uses That Are Still Safe

Coconut oil is not entirely useless in your routine:

Body moisturizer: Skin on your body is less prone to clogged pores
Hair treatment: Excellent for conditioning dry hair and scalp
Cuticle oil: Softens cuticles effectively
Shaving aid: On legs and body where breakouts are less of a concern
Lip balm: Lips do not have pores like facial skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can coconut oil cure acne?

No. While coconut oil has antibacterial properties, its high comedogenic rating means it is more likely to cause acne than cure it. The pore-clogging effect outweighs any antibacterial benefit for most people.

Why do some people say coconut oil cleared their acne?

Individual skin varies. Some people may not be sensitive to coconut oil comedogenic properties. Others may mistake temporary improvement (from antibacterial effects) for a cure, only to experience breakouts later. Additionally, if someone had very dry, damaged skin, the barrier repair from coconut oil might have temporarily helped.

Is fractionated coconut oil better for acne?

Fractionated coconut oil is lighter than regular coconut oil, with a lower comedogenic rating (2-3). However, it is still risky for acne-prone skin. Better alternatives exist.

Can I use coconut oil on acne scars?

No. Coconut oil will not help acne scars and may cause new breakouts that create more scarring. Use proven scar treatments like vitamin C, retinoids, or professional treatments instead.

How long does it take for coconut oil to cause breakouts?

Breakouts from comedogenic ingredients can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to appear. This delay often makes it hard to identify the culprit.

Is coconut oil bad for all skin types?

People with dry, non-acne-prone skin may tolerate coconut oil well. However, if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, it is best avoided on the face.

The Bottom Line

Despite its natural origins and popularity in the wellness community, coconut oil is one of the worst choices for acne-prone skin. With a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5, it has a high likelihood of clogging pores and causing breakouts.

If you have acne-prone skin, avoid coconut oil on your face and choose non-comedogenic alternatives like squalane, argan oil, or properly formulated moisturizers. Save the coconut oil for your body, hair, and cooking.

Not sure if your products contain coconut oil or its derivatives? Use SCRNE to scan ingredient lists and instantly identify potentially pore-clogging ingredients before they cause breakouts.

Sources

DiNardo, J. C., & Downs, C. A. "Can coconut oil help atopic dermatitis?" International Journal of Dermatology, vol. 59, no. 8, 2020, pp. 895-900.
Kappally, S., et al. "Coconut Oil – A Review of Potential Applications." Hygeia Journal for Drugs and Medicines, vol. 7, no. 2, 2015, pp. 34-41.
Nakatsuji, T., et al. "Antimicrobial property of lauric acid against Propionibacterium acnes." Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 129, no. 10, 2009, pp. 2480-2488. PubMed
Fulton, J. E., et al. "Comedogenicity of current therapeutic products, cosmetics, and ingredients in the rabbit ear." Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, vol. 10, no. 1, 1984, pp. 96-105. PubMed
American Academy of Dermatology. "Can the right diet get rid of acne?" AAD.org