At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about coconut oil. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
Please note: One study on this page tested coconut oil in children with atopic dermatitis, which is a medical condition. We share it for transparency. ORY® coconut oil products are cosmetics and are not intended to treat eczema or any condition.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Coconut oil is the fat pressed from coconut meat (Cocos nucifera). It is solid at cool room temperature and rich in lauric acid. In ORY® products, it helps body skin feel soft and moisturized, helps hair feel conditioned, and gives soap hardness and lather. |
Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found coconut oil safe in the practices of use and concentration.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- What it shows: CIR safety assessment of coconut oil.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Coconut oil is about 45–52% lauric acid, with myristic, palmitic, caprylic, and capric acids and a small unsaturated fraction. It melts at about 24 °C. It is different from fractionated coconut oil or caprylic/capric triglyceride. |
Verification: Supported. Its fatty-acid profile is well documented.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- What it shows: Describes composition.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Coconut oil suits dry and normal skin on the body. It is not recommended as a leave-on facial oil for acne-prone skin. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In an animal comedogenicity test, coconut butter scored high (4 out of 5). ORY® avoids it in leave-on facial products for acne-prone skin.
Citations:
- Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 40(6), 321–333. https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/4864275
- What it shows: Animal comedogenicity test.
- Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 40(6), 321–333. https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/4864275
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, coconut oil helps hair feel conditioned and is used as a pre-shampoo treatment. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. In a lab study on hair samples, coconut oil reduced protein loss during washing, while mineral and sunflower oils did not. That was not a study in people. ORY® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(2), 175–192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
- What it shows: Lab study on hair samples.
- Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(2), 175–192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
5. Benefits
Claim: Coconut oil helps dry skin feel soft and moisturized and helps hair feel conditioned. |
Verification: Supported. In a randomized double-blind trial of 34 people with dry skin on the legs, virgin coconut oil moisturized as well as mineral oil. In a randomized trial of 117 children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, coconut oil improved severity scores more than mineral oil; that is a medical use, and ORY® does not make eczema claims.
Citations:
- Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2310/derm.1.2004.2015
- What it shows: Randomized trial in dry skin.
- Evangelista, M. T., Abad-Casintahan, F., & Lopez-Villafuerte, L. (2014). The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology, 53(1), 100–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12339
- What it shows: Randomized trial in atopic dermatitis (a medical use).
- Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2310/derm.1.2004.2015
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Coconut Oil is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported. Coconut oil is a foundation oil in ORY® handmade soap for hardness and lather.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 5–50% | Body butters and oils, balms, lip care, and cleansing balms (not facial oils for acne-prone skin). |
| Haircare | 5–100% | Pre-shampoo treatments, hair masks, sealing oils, and conditioner bars. |
| Handmade Soap | 20–30% of oils | Foundation oil for hardness and lather. |
| Cosmetics | 5–30% | Lip balms, cream sticks, makeup removers, and mascaras. |
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- What it shows: Reported uses.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
7. Pros
Claim: A well-studied moisturizer with randomized-trial support and a CIR safety conclusion. |
Verification: Supported. Well documented composition and long cosmetic use.
Citations:
- Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2310/derm.1.2004.2015
- What it shows: Randomized trial.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- What it shows: Safety conclusion.
- Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2310/derm.1.2004.2015
8. Cons
Claim: Coconut oil can clog pores on the face, can be drying in soap at high levels, and can feel heavy. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Pore-clogging potential. Not for acne-prone faces.
- Soap. Above about 30% can be drying.
- Heavy. Greasy on some skin and fine hair.
- Sourcing. Choose sustainable coconut.
Citations:
- Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 40(6), 321–333. https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/4864275
- What it shows: Comedogenicity test.
- Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 40(6), 321–333. https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/4864275
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- Store away from heat and light, and discard if it smells rancid.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- What it shows: Safety assessment.
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Agero, A. L., & Verallo-Rowell, V. M. (2004). A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatitis, 15(3), 109–116. https://doi.org/10.2310/derm.1.2004.2015
- Burnett, C. L., et al. (2011). Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. International Journal of Toxicology, 30(3 Suppl), 5S–16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
- Evangelista, M. T., Abad-Casintahan, F., & Lopez-Villafuerte, L. (2014). The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology, 53(1), 100–108. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12339
- Fulton, J. E. (1989). Comedogenicity and irritancy of commonly used ingredients in skin care products. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, 40(6), 321–333. https://hero.epa.gov/hero/index.cfm/reference/details/reference_id/4864275
- Rele, A. S., & Mohile, R. B. (2003). Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 54(2), 175–192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
