QQ: Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores? (Asking for Myself)

Coconut oil has been a staple skincare product for centuries. It's super affordable, easy to find, and high in fatty acids (making it extremely moisturizing). But coconut oil can also wreak havoc on some people's skin, clogging pores and contributing to acne. 

So, how exactly do you know if coconut oil is the right product for you? We asked three board-certified dermatologists—David Li, MD, MBA; Lauren Penzi, MD; and Kautilya Shaurya, MD—who should think twice before adding coconut oil to their skincare routine. Read on for what they told us. 

What Is Coconut Oil?

It may sound a bit like we're stating the obvious here, but there's no getting around it: Coconut oil is an oil derived from coconuts. It's high in saturated fat and commonly used on the skin, hair, and as a cooking ingredient. As a skincare product, coconut oil is ultra-moisturizing, rich in antimicrobial properties, and helps soothe irritated skin.

Using coconut oil can benefit your skin in a few key ways:

• Moisturizing: "Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids that help lock in moisture, which makes it an excellent natural moisturizer for skin," Penzi says. This makes it a particularly good option for people with very dry or flaky skin. 
  
• Protective against environmental stressors: The fatty acids in coconut oil reinforce the skin barrier and protect against environmental damage and water loss. "It is made up of numerous fatty acids which help to create a hydrophobic physical barrier to prevent transepidermal water loss while also protecting the skin from irritants in the environment," Li says.
  
• Antimicrobial: Coconut oil's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties can help reduce the presence of acne-causing bacteria and other problematic bacteria and fungi.
  
• Soothing: Coconut oil is naturally anti-inflammatory and can soothe irritated skin, making it a good option for people with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and sunburn. 

Does Coconut Oil Clog Pores?

Coconut oil is widely considered to be pore-clogging and, as such, is generally not recommended if you have acne-prone skin. "Coconut oil is considered to have a moderate to high comedogenic rating," Shaurya tells us. "This means it may clog pores for some people, particularly those with oily or acne-prone skin." He advises against using coconut oil on your face or only using it cautiously.

Many other skincare products are also known to clog pores, including oil-based products, thick creams, and emollients. 

What Makes an Ingredient Pore-Clogging?

Some skincare products are comedogenic, which means they may clog your pores. People are often wary of using comedogenic products because they can lead to acne. "Certain ingredients contain molecules [with] a larger structure that's more likely to block pores," Penzi explains. "Heavier oils with larger molecules have a higher tendency to clog pores." According to Li, products with thicker consistency (like ointments) are generally more comedogenic. 

Does the Type of Coconut Oil Matter?

That said, the specific type of coconut oil you're using can play a role in whether or not the product clogs your pores. "Unrefined coconut oil, often labeled as virgin or extra-virgin, undergoes minimal processing and retains more of its natural components," Penzi says. "Unrefined coconut oil might be more likely to clog pores due to its higher content of those natural components."

Alternatively, she explains that fractionated coconut oil—which remains liquid at room temperature and is often used in skincare products—is a type of coconut oil that has some of its fatty acids removed, leaving behind the medium-chain triglycerides. "It is generally considered less comedogenic [than] unrefined coconut oil," she says.

Additionally, products that pair coconut oil with other non-comedogenic ingredients may be less likely to clog pores, Shaurya says. 

Skin Type Considerations

Your skin type is another factor influencing whether coconut oil may be pore-clogging. Generally, coconut oil (especially on the face) is more likely to be pore-clogging among people with oily and acne-prone skin. People with combination skin who have oily T-zones may also have problems with coconut oil being comedogenic. People with dry skin may be able to tolerate coconut oil as a moisturizer a bit better. "However, given the high fatty acid and lipid content of coconut oil, it can also induce seborrheic dermatitis and other yeast overgrowths on the skin, as certain yeast strains live off lipids and fatty acids," Li says.

Coconut Oil Alternatives

Even if coconut oil isn't right for you, you still have options. Here's what dermatologists recommend: 

• Vaseline: "If their skin is truly in need of hydration that calls for an emollient, I oftentimes recommend plain Vaseline or pure hydrolatum," Li says. 
• A heavy moisturizing cream: Li recommends products like CeraVe or Vanicream. (Check out our comparison of the two here.)
• Jojoba oil: This type of oil has similar properties to your skin's natural oils and is less comedogenic than coconut oil. 
• Argan oil: Rich in vitamin E and fatty acids, argan oil is also lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. It's a good option for both dry and oily skin types, Penzi says.
• Squalane oil: Squalane oil is another lightweight, non-comedogenic oil that's ultra-moisturizing and works well with most skin types. 

The Final Takeaway

Coconut oil has many appealing skincare benefits: It's extremely moisturizing, antimicrobial, and fairly affordable, and you can buy it right at the supermarket. But it can also clog your pores—especially if you have oily or combination skin—and may not be the best skincare product for some people. Fortunately, there are many other options. If you have any concerns about using coconut oil on your skin, reach out to a board-certified dermatologist who can tell you if the product is right for you.