How to Use Coconut Oil as a Makeup Remover, and Why You Should Stop Buying Makeup Wipes
If you’re still using makeup wipes everyday, for the sake of your skin and the planet, it’s time to stop.
I’ll be honest, I used makeup wipes for years - they’re extremely convenient - but they’re actually terrible for your skin (and they’re so wasteful!!). I always noticed that they were too harsh on my face, especially the eye area, but kept buying them anyway. When I finally stopped using makeup wipes and switched to a gentler option, I understood why dermatologists have been saying for years that makeup wipes are damaging to our skin.
Yes, there are other makeup remover options out there, but I opted for trying coconut oil since I wanted something gentle on my skin that could be used daily, and would be mild enough to remove eye makeup. Coconut oil checks all of those boxes, and also has anti-bacterial properties to help combat breakouts (if you use it correctly). Not to mention it softens my skin in the process, and smells amazing.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re switching from makeup wipes to using coconut oil. Both your skin and your wallet will thank you.
xx, Heather
Buy it in its purest form
The only kind of coconut oil that you should be putting on your face is: organic, unrefined, and cold-pressed. All three of those phases should be on the label of whatever coconut oil you buy to use on your skin. There are tons of options at different price points, but I’ve been using the $12 one from Trader Joes for almost a year now, and have no complaints. Just be sure to get the Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined, Virgin Coconut Oil.
Store it in a relatively cool place
The melting point of coconut oil is pretty high (about 76 degrees), but just be aware of this when you store it. In its natural state it will be more of a solid, and you can easily keep it in the jar you purchase it in, or transfer it to a cuter container for the bathroom.
A little goes a long way
You’ll need less than a teaspoon size amount to remove the makeup from your whole face - a regular 16 oz jar should last you a few months.
No harsh rubbing
No cotton pads, no washcloths. Simply rub the coconut oil between your hands to warm it up into a liquid, then massage onto your face like you would a cleanser. The whole point of not using makeup wipes is to avoid the rubbing of a harsh cloth on your skin, so keep it simple, and just use your fingers.
Rinse as normal
Once the makeup is lifted from your skin and lashes, rise a few times with warm water. Depending on how much makeup you wear on any given day, you may need to repeat this.
You still need to wash your face after
Technically, coconut oil is a comedogenic, meaning the oil can clog pores, so I recommend cleansing with your usual facial cleanser. Regardless of if you’re using makeup wipes, or any other type of makeup remover, you should still double cleansing.
Finish your skin care routine as normal
Pat dry with a towel and finish with your usual serums and moisturizers.
Test it out first
Everyone’s skin is different and will react to oils differently, so you should test out using coconut oil for a few days to see how your skin reacts. It can feel unusual at first, to use a simple oil on your face like that, but I have found that my skin (especially the sensitive skin around my eye area) is much happier after making the switch to using coconut oil as my makeup remover.
