Coconut oil is one of the most popular ingredients for green beauty enthusiasts. This powerfully moisturizing oil has the most delicious aroma and truly unique benefits for skin and hair. You can even use coconut oil on your lashes, especially if you’re looking for simple nourishment or a natural makeup remover alternative. In this post, we will tell you all the benefits of coconut oil for eyelashes, how to use it and also explain what it does not do.
Is coconut oil good for eyelashes?
Coconut oil is an unusual oil — it’s solid at room temperature and contains a blend of fatty acids with some very beneficial effects, especially for hair. Here are some of the reasons why we think it can be good for eyelashes.
Shrill
Unlike many other oils, coconut oil’s unique triglycerides and low molecular weight allow it to penetrate through the hair shaft, which is why it is so popular in hair care. Since lashes are technically hairs, it’s one of the few oils that will not only coat your lashes but penetrate them. Once soaked in, the coconut oil helps strengthen the lashes from within.
Prevents protein loss
Thanks to its penetrating ability, coconut oil is incredible at keeping protein in the hair, which is the main type of damage hair can suffer. Loss of protein in the eyelashes can occur due to washing the face with excessively hot water or lifting eyelashes. It leads to brittleness and can increase the risk of eyelash breakage.
Coconut oil is proven prevents the loss of protein from the hair, especially compared to mineral oil and sunflower oil. Highly recommended for damaged or porous hair, it can also help keep lashes strong and intact.
Soothing
Coconut oil is associated with the relief of inflammatory skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis. Its soothing ingredients include linoleic acid, lauric acid and various antioxidants. Although not tested on eyelashes, inflammation in the line can lead to reduced eyelash growth, so coconut oil may provide some relief.
Antimicrobial
Pathogens can irritate the lash line or cause infections that can affect eyelash growth. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial abilities, which may help prevent certain infections.
Research is limited, but one study found that using coconut oil on the eyes and eyelashes reduced number of demodex mitesindicating that it may have potential as a treatment for blepharitis, which is an eye condition associated with loss of eyelashes.
Air conditioning
The oils have a slippery texture that makes them great for hair conditioning. When applied to the lashes, they can add some shine and prevent them from tangling.
Moisturizing
Coconut oil is also beneficial for the skin of the eyelids and the lash line. It fills the gaps between dead skin cells to better trap moisture in the skin. Research shows that it can even help with dry or severely dry skin.
The skin around the eyes is often more prone to dryness than the skin elsewhere on the face, so coconut oil can provide a nice boost or alternative to eye creams and moisturizers.
Makeup removal
Most makeup products are designed to be water resistant, but most are not made to be waterproof. That’s why many oils can work well as a makeup remover, including coconut oil.
Does coconut oil help eyelash growth?
There is no research showing that coconut oil helps with eyelash growth. If you’re hoping for longer, thicker lashes, it’s not the ideal treatment.
It can help with specific problems that can lead to eyelash loss. For example, its antimicrobial properties may protect against blepharitis or blepharitis, while its strengthening and emollient abilities may prevent lash breakage.
In comparison, most eyelash serums contain more proven ingredients. Real research shows they can improve eyelash density, thickness and length. The same kind of science doesn’t support coconut oil, so unless you’re experiencing eyelash loss directly from something coconut oil can fix, don’t expect it to make a difference.
How to use coconut oil for eyelashes?
If you want to use coconut oil on your lashes, here are our tips to get the most out of your lashes and keep them healthy.
- The best times to use coconut oil on your lashes are either at night, after you wash your face and apply your moisturizer, or before you shower to protect your lashes from absorbing too much water (which can lead to brittleness).
- A small amount of coconut oil will do. You can pick it up with a cotton swab, a grooming spoon or even a disposable mascara wand.
- You can rub the oil between your fingers to melt it if it is too thick.
- Using the cotton swab, mascara wand, or your finger, gently rub the coconut oil in, using a downward motion to avoid putting too much pressure on your lashes.
- If you’re using a mascara wand, you can apply it just like you would mascara.
- This is! Now you can leave it overnight.
- You can also use coconut oil as a makeup remover, especially if you wear waterproof mascara.
- Coat a cotton ball with rich coconut oil and hold it over your eye.
- After 5-10 seconds, carefully wipe down to remove the mascara. Keep wiping until our lashes are free of mascara.
- You may want to follow this with a micellar water or cleanser to remove any oil residue.
Possible risks and side effects
Coconut oil is quite safe (even right near the eyes), and is not associated with side effects, according to most sources. That said, there are likely things to keep in mind:
- If coconut oil gets into your eyes, you may experience temporary blurred vision.
- Some users find that using coconut oil products on their skin leads to breakouts or makes their acne worse.
- As with many rich moisturizers or oils, coconut oil can contribute to milia (hard plugs of keratin that can form around the eyes).
Coconut oil vs castor oil vs petroleum jelly for eyelashes
Coconut oil competes with castor oil and petroleum jelly for the most popular eyelash treatments. But how do these ingredients compare? Here is a quick summary.
Compared to castor oil, coconut oil is thicker and more solid at room temperature, but it can melt into liquid oil. Vaseline is the thicker of the two and doesn’t dissolve as easily. All three can be a little messy to use, but you may find that one is easier to apply than the others.
Coconut oil is the winner when it comes to penetrating the hair to prevent protein loss. If you are experiencing breakage of eyelashes, it is your best choice.
However, when it comes to eyelash growth, castor oil slightly singles out both coconut oil and petroleum jelly, as limited research suggests that its key ingredient may have an impact on the eyelash growth cycle. All three lack reliable evidence, especially compared to commercial eyelash serums.
Additional tips for using coconut oil for eyelashes
There are a few other things you should consider before using coconut oil on your eyelashes.
- Do not use coconut oil with extensions. Oils can break down the eyelash extension glue, so it’s a big no-no. That said, you can use it when you take an extension break.
- Keep your coconut oil clean! Avoid sticking your fingers in the tub. Use disposable or clear applicators instead.
- If you are actively experiencing abnormal eyelash loss or recurring eye problems, talk to your doctor about treatment. While coconut oil may help with some symptoms, it is not approved to treat specific health problems.
Conclusion
Coconut oil is an incredible ingredient with many beauty benefits. Using coconut oil on eyelashes can be especially beneficial as a treatment for brittleness, thanks to its ability to penetrate through the hair shaft. Your eyelids and lash line can benefit from its moisturizing, soothing and anti-microbial action.
Finally, remember that it is not a proven ingredient for eyelash growth. If you’re looking for longer, thicker lashes, consider using an eyelash serum or giving DIY eyelash extensions a test!