Want to know if you can use coconut oil for eyelashes safely?
Does it actually work to make your lashes longer and remove eye makeup?
I evaluated the research that answers these questions, discussing alternatives to coconut oil and why coconut oil can be used on your lashes if you wear mascara!
Keep reading as I discuss a now-abandoned patent that could make dispersing coconut oil on your eyelashes much easier!
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Coconut oil may help to promote the health and growth of natural lashes, as its moisturizing properties can help to prevent breakage.
- The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil can help to protect natural lashes from eye infections, making it a popular choice for those with eyelash extensions.
- Patch test coconut oil before using it on eyelashes to avoid irritation and ensure suitability, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
Everything You Need To Know About Coconut Oil For Eyelashes
Do you know what’s great? Healthline’s Nutrition writer Arianne Lang, Bsc, MBA, writes the following about coconut oil [1]:
“Coconut oil is a rich source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat.”
Coconut oil is used in 100s of beauty cosmetics, at concentration levels ranging from a low of 0.0001% up to 70%. Coconut oil is even used in tanning lotions like Maui Babe [2].
It is safe to use on your eyelashes and can help your lashes grow and protect against eye infections!
Check out this video, if you’re the visual type, on how to grow eyelashes using this magical oil:
3 Excellent Benefits:
#1 Coconut Oil Helps Improve Hair Quality & This Strengths Your Lashes
The benefits of coconut oil for hair (and therefore lashes) over other oils, like mineral or sunflower oil, are revealed in Rele and Mohile’s (2003) research [3].
Among these three oils, coconut oil was the only one that decreased protein loss levels for damaged and undamaged hair when used before or after washing the hair.
Unlike sunflower or mineral oil, coconut oil is a triglyceride of a fatty acid called lauric acid and has a low molecule weight and a linear straight chain.
Thus it can penetrate the hair shaft better than mineral or sunflower oil (Rele and Mohile, 2003) [3].
More recent research in the past decade has linked coconut oil (particularly Vatika-enriched coconut oil) to stimulated hair growth and reduced hair loss.
The result is more robust, healthier, and hopefully longer and full eyelashes in the long run!
#2 Coconut Oil Even Protects Against Eye Infections!
Worried about the safety of putting coconut oil near your eyes? Don’t be! Mutalib et al. (2015) study shows that coconut oil is just as safe as saline and commercially sold eye drops [4].
Coconut oil will not irritate your eyes… in fact, it can nourish your eyes!
#3 Lauric Acid Protects Against Fungal & Bacterial Infections
Instead of irritating ingredients, coconut oil contains hydrating fatty acids.
Fatty acids like lauric acid protect against the microbial organisms in your eyelashes that can cause fungal or bacterial infections [5].
This is thanks to lauric acid’s unique antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Lauric acid offers the most extensive antibacterial protection of all medium-chain level fatty acids!
Unsurprisingly, virgin coconut oil is proven to have antimicrobial benefits thanks to lauric acid.
Plus, there’s some evidence (Mutalib et al., 2015) that coconut oil could even help heal conjunctivitis (pink eye) [4]!
Learn how to apply eyelash serum correctly with our helpful articles, which provide step-by-step instructions on choosing the right serum and applying it safely and effectively for longer, fuller lashes.
Prevent Eye Infections with These Fatty Acids and Efficiently Remove Makeup with Coconut Oil
If you wear mascara and other eye makeup regularly, you may want to use coconut oil on your eyes… for reasons other than (just) the lengthening and nourishing benefits!
Your mascara can be contaminated by the microbes on your eyelashes, mainly if you keep using the same tube for too long [6].
Microbes were found on 36.4% of mascara tubes that were examined after three months of use in one study by Pack et al. (2008).
The lauric acid in coconut oil will help protect against eye infections caused by using old mascara tubes.
These fatty acids also make coconut oil an effective makeup remover – they break up your face and eye makeup and help it lift easily off your skin and eyelashes [7].
Your eyes may blur momentarily if you get some coconut oil in your eye, but it shouldn’t sting and won’t last.
Effective Tool for Applying Coconut Oil to Enhance Your Eyelashes
In 2015, an inventor filed a patent for a travel-sized tube of coconut oil with a special brush that would apply 100% Virgin and Organic coconut oil to eyelashes (or eyebrows) easier [8].
The patent described bristles as softer than typical mascara brushes but firm enough to evenly coat the eyelashes in coconut oil.
Although this patent application has since been abandoned, there’s still a market for easy coconut oil application to the lashes.
Although many eyelash serums contain coconut oil, no major product options can disperse pure coconut oil on your lashes.
Until the product launches, you’re stuck with DIY ideas for now!
Tip: Make sure you buy virgin organic coconut oil. Non-organic oil is fertilized using harmful chemicals you don’t want anywhere near your eyes [9]!
How To Use It On Your Lashes
If you want pure virgin organic coconut oil on your lashes, buy a tub of the real thing. Use a Q-tip, a disposable mascara wand, or your fingers to apply the coconut oil.
Apply some organic virgin coconut oil to your fingertips. Rub your fingertips together and massage them over your eye area (and skin if you wish to remove your face makeup).
Grab a cotton pad or a q-tip and wipe the coconut oil away.
Coconut Oil Alternatives
If you can’t get your hands on coconut oil (or can’t justify the price), consider using baby oil instead.
Personally, I like to use an empty bottle of the ‘Too Faced Mascara Melt Off‘, fill it with baby oil, and use that to remove my mascara and help my eyelashes grow.
If you want to try a marketed skincare product known for its eyelash benefits, I highly recommend the ‘Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream‘ (though it’s much more expensive than coconut oil).
Coconut Oil In Mascara?
Coconut oil is a common ingredient in mascara (though only a tiny amount is added to the formula) [10].
This oil is not used in high volumes in most mascara formulas, mainly due to the high price and because it does not impact the look of the mascara on the lashes that much [11].
The benefits of coconut oil in mascara are that it improves the health, length, and volume of your lashes over time – not the appearance of your lashes in the short run.
Tip: use natural teeth-whitening substances as an alternative to whitening strips.
Precautions When Using Coconut Oil on Eyelashes
Now that you know that you can use coconut oil for eyelashes, there’s more to learn. Without further ado, here are 3 points to bear in mind:
#1 Not suitable for everyone
Prone to allergies? Coconut oil can, in sporadic cases, cause allergic reactions.
For example, contact cheilitis, most commonly caused by wearing lipstick on the lips, is often triggered by oils (including coconut oil) in the lipstick formula [12].
Make sure you’re not allergic to anything in coconut oil; always buy the organic virgin type of this oil, and consult your doctor before use if you’re in any doubt.
#2 Potential for irritation
When using coconut oil for eyelash growth, it is essential to be aware of the potential for irritation.
While coconut oil has been praised for its moisturizing properties, it can also cause dry skin around the eyes to become even drier, leading to irritation and discomfort.
For those with lash extensions, the oil can also cause the extensions to become loose and fall out prematurely.
Those with sensitive skin or allergies may also experience irritation when using coconut oil on their lashes.
For these reasons, it is recommended to patch test the oil before applying it to the entire lash area and consider using castor oil or other alternatives that are better suited for sensitive skin.
#3 Importance of patch testing
The importance of patch testing when using coconut oil for eyelashes cannot be overstated.
Coconut oil, especially refined coconut oil, may not be suitable for everyone and could irritate the delicate skin around the eyes.
To ensure it is safe, do a patch test before applying it to the entire lash area.
This can be done by applying a small amount of the oil to the inner wrist or behind the ear and waiting for any adverse reactions before using it on the eyelashes.
Patch testing is vital for those with sensitive skin or allergies, as it will help to determine if coconut oil is safe and effective for promoting the growth of natural eyelashes.
By patch testing, you can ensure that you are using the right product for your needs and avoid any adverse reactions that could compromise the health of your natural eyelashes.
FAQs
1. Is coconut oil good for eyelashes?
2. Can coconut oil irritate the eyes?
3. Refined or unrefined coconut oil for lashes?
Conclusion
Wondering if you can use coconut oil for eyelashes? You bet!
Coconut oil is a natural and effective option for enhancing the health and growth of eyelashes. It contains moisturizing properties that nourish and strengthen lashes.
However, it is crucial to be cautious when using coconut oil near the delicate skin around the eyes and to perform a patch test before using it regularly.
Opt for unrefined coconut oil and consult a professional before using it on eyelash extensions for the best results.
With the proper application and usage, coconut oil can provide a natural solution for achieving healthier, fuller lashes.
Lastly, don’t forget to leave a comment and tell me how you love your coconut oil on your lashes! Until next time…
Resources
1. Gunnars K. Top 10 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Coconut Oil [Internet]. Healthline. 2018. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil
2. Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Klaassen CD, Marks JG, Shank RC, et al. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cocos nucifera (Coconut) Oil and Related Ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology. 2011;30:5S16S.
3. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science [Internet]. 2003 [cited 2023 Feb 4];54:175–92. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12715094
4. Mutalib HA, Kaur S, Ghazali AR, Chinn Hooi N, Safie NH. A Pilot Study: The Efficacy of Virgin Coconut Oil as Ocular Rewetting Agent on Rabbit Eyes. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2015;2015:1–7.
5. Batovska DI, Todorova IT, Tsvetkova IV, Najdenski HM. Antibacterial study of the medium chain fatty acids and their 1-monoglycerides: individual effects and synergistic relationships. Polish Journal of Microbiology [Internet]. 2009 [cited 2023 Feb 4];58:43–7. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19469285/
6. Pack LD, Wickham MG, Enloe RA, Hill DN. Microbial contamination associated with mascara use. Optometry (St Louis, Mo) [Internet]. United States; 2008;79:587–93. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18922495
7. Branson S. 101 Amazing Uses for Coconut Oil: Decrease Wrinkles, Balance Hormones, Clean a Hairbrush, and 98 More! [Internet]. Google Books. Workman Publishing; 2017 [cited 2023 Feb 4]. Available from: https://books.google.ie/books?hl=en&lr=&id=g9G4DwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP5&dq=coconut+oil+eyelashes&ots=y1wmDj6jwP&sig=nriY6XSjrUUOl0mDVVkYHnXi-dQ&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=lashes&f=false
8. Stone MT. Method of Applying Organic Virgin Coconut Oil to Eyelashes and Eyebrows [Internet]. [cited 2023 Feb 4]. Available from: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20160015625A1/en
9. Leiva C, Rosenthal A. These 9 Best Facial Oils Are Like A Moisture-Packed Slurpee For Dry Skin [Internet]. InStyle. 2022 [cited 2023 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.instyle.com/beauty/squalane-oil-skincare-benefits
10. Total Temptation Washable Volumizing Mascara – Maybelline [Internet]. www.maybelline.com. [cited 2023 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.maybelline.com/eye-makeup/mascara/total-temptation-washable-mascara
11. Coconut Products are Expensive! Should You Buy Them? | SupermarketGuru [Internet]. www.supermarketguru.com. 2016. Available from: https://www.supermarketguru.com/articles/coconut-products-are-expensive-should-you-buy-them/
12. Dyall-Smith FACD, DD. Contact reactions to lipsticks and other lipcare products | DermNet [Internet]. www.dermnetnz.org. 2010 [cited 2023 Feb 4]. Available from: https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/contact-reactions-to-lipsticks-and-other-lipcare-products
