Should You Use Coconut Water On Your Skin? The Pros and Cons
Coconut water has become the ultimate hydrating health drink in recent years. But some skincare devotees have started using coconut water topically on their skin too.
The thought process is that if coconut water hydrates and nourishes your body, it could also provide hydration and nutrients when applied directly on your skin.
Proponents of using coconut water for skin point to its composition of electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, and sodium along with minerals like calcium and manganese. It also contains antioxidants like vitamin C.
All of these nutrients can theoretically deliver benefits to the skin when used topically. But is it really as simple as drinking coconut water for your skin?
Let’s take a deeper look at the potential pros and cons of using coconut water as a skincare ingredient so you can decide if you should be applying it to your skin.
Why Coconut Water is Growing in Popularity for Skin
Before analyzing the possible benefits and drawbacks, it’s helpful to understand why coconut water has been garnering attention as an alternative skincare treatment.
Coconut water comes from young, green coconuts which are different from mature coconuts. The immature coconuts contain a clear, sweet liquid that accumulates naturally as the coconut develops.
This aqueous part of the endosperm provides the hydration and nutrients the growing coconut seedling relies on. Fresh coconut water direct from a young coconut is closer to nature’s intentions than heavily processed skincare products.
Using natural ingredients like coconut water for skincare ties into larger trends toward clean beauty, green beauty, and plant-based regimens. Consumers want healthier alternatives without toxic chemicals.
Applying something you could also drink or eat brings a certain simplicity to skincare. Coconut water is perceived as a “clean” ingredient since no chemicals are added during processing.
People also love multi-tasking ingredients. The idea that one product could hydrate your skin the way it hydrates your body is appealing. However, research is still emerging on how effectively coconut water delivers on these expectations.
The Potential Benefits of Using Coconut Water on Skin
What evidence and reasoning exists to support using coconut water as part of your skincare routine? Here are some of the most commonly touted benefits.
It’s a Natural Source of Hydration
One of the primary proposed benefits of coconut water for skin is hydration. Dehydrated skin lacks sufficient water content in the outermost epidermal layers.
Without adequate hydration, skin cells cannot function properly and regenerate. Hydrated skin cells retain a plump, youthful appearance while dehydrated skin looks dull, flaky, or shriveled.
Using coconut water on your skin introduces hydration in a pure, natural form. Coconut water consists of the fluid held within the coconut. It contains over 90 nutrients needed for the growth and metabolism of the coconut palm.
These nutrients within the coconut water include electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus. Electrolytes help carry electrical signals between cells. Having balanced electrolytes, both internally and externally, supports proper skin cell function.
The electrolyte, mineral, and water content of coconuts may help your skin attract and retain moisture more effectively. This leads to enhanced hydration of the epidermis.
Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental things you can do for healthy, glowing skin. Using coconut water can moisturize without any added preservatives, fragrances, emulsifiers, or stabilizers.
It Contains Antioxidants Like Vitamin C
In addition to hydration, coconut water also provides antioxidants. Your skin is exposed to free radicals daily through factors like sun exposure, pollution, smoke, toxins, and simple aging.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage skin cells and connective tissue through a process called oxidative stress. This degrades collagen and elastin in the skin, leading to signs of premature aging.
Antioxidants help counteract oxidative damage by neutralizing free radicals. When applied topically, antioxidants like vitamin C protect the skin from these harmful molecules.
Coconut water contains vitamin C and other antioxidant compounds like provitamin A, riboflavin, selenium, phenolic acids, and flavonoids.
Applying coconut water to your skin helps supplement your antioxidant defenses. This may prevent some of the oxidative damage that accelerates skin aging.
It Has Antimicrobial and Anti-Fungal Properties
In addition to hydration and antioxidants, coconut water demonstrates antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. This is attributed to the lauric acid within coconut water.
The lauric acid in coconut is converted by your body into a substance called monolaurin. Both lauric acid and monolaurin are very effective at disrupting the lipid membranes of viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
This can help fight infections in the skin caused by microbial pathogens. Using coconut water on your skin may help reduce acne breakouts triggered by the bacteria Propionibacterium acnes.
The antimicrobial effects could also potentially help treat fungal skin conditions like ringworm, athlete’s foot, or yeast overgrowth.
By supporting the skin microbiome and helping destroy harmful microbes, the lauric acid in coconut water contributes to healthier skin overall.
It Has Minimal Ingredients
Walk down the skincare aisle and you’ll see tons of products packed with lengthy ingredient lists. Store-bought cleansers, creams, serums, and toners often contain upwards of 10-20 ingredients.
These can include preservatives like parabens or formaldehyde, emulsifiers like PEG compounds, fragrances, stabilizers, surfactants, and various chemicals. While not all these additives are inherently bad, those with sensitive skin may react.
The minimal processing of raw coconut water means it has very few ingredients aside from the coconut juice and water. Unless added during production, coconut water typically does not contain other ingredients like preservatives or thickeners.
This makes coconut water unlikely to cause any skin irritation, redness, breakouts, or allergic reaction. It is generally considered safe and suitable even for sensitive skin types.
People who react negatively to many skincare products may find that pure, organic coconut water does not trigger any adverse effects. This skin compatibility is a major benefit for those with sensitivities.
Potential Drawbacks and Precautions When Using Coconut Water for Skin
While coconut water shows significant promise for enhancing skin hydration and treating various skin concerns, there are some potential drawbacks to consider as well.
Limited Research on Topical Benefits
Most of the scientific research done on coconut water has focused on its nutritional benefits when consumed orally. Very few studies have looked specifically at the topical benefits of applying coconut water to skin.
Without quality clinical data, many of the proposed benefits are theoretical or anecdotal. More controlled studies on using coconut water as a skincare ingredient are needed to verify its effects.
For instance, some sources claim coconut water firms and tightens the skin through a hypothesized “skin protein rejuvenation” effect. But this has not been proven through research.
Before you can take the potential benefits as fact, more clinical studies are required. The current research is limited which means coconut water as a topical skin treatment is still up for debate.
Possible Coconut Allergy
While not common, some people have a coconut allergy or coconut sensitivity. Coconut allergies are considered a tree nut allergy since coconut palms are botanically drupes, not nuts.
If you have an allergy to tree nuts, especially coconuts, almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts, applying coconut water to your skin could trigger an allergic reaction.
Potential coconut allergy symptoms include hives, eczema flare-ups, swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, runny nose, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and anaphylaxis.
Before applying coconut water to your face or body, it’s wise to perform a skin patch test. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm and wait 24-48 hours to check for any redness, itching, or other adverse skin reactions.
Monitor for potential coconut allergies carefully, especially if you already have other nut allergies. Seek emergency care immediately if serious coconut allergy symptoms develop.
High Potassium Content
One of coconut water’s primary nutritional benefits as a beverage is its high electrolyte content, especially potassium. But this can also be a drawback when applying it topically.
Consuming high amounts of potassium is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease or kidney hypofunction. Excess potassium can be dangerous for those unable to excrete it properly.
Potassium is not absorbed significantly through the skin. But if using coconut water in large quantities or with very broken skin, it’s wise to consult a doctor if you have renal issues.
Monitor your potassium levels and be aware that steady use of coconut water on the skin may contribute to overall accumulation in those with compromised kidney function.
Spoils Quickly Unrefrigerated
The plethora of nutrients in coconut water also make it an ideal environment for microbial growth. Whether in its natural package inside the coconut or bottled, coconut water can spoil fairly quickly.
When kept at room temperature, bottled coconut water only stays fresh for 1-2 days. It can begin growing mold, yeast, and pathogenic bacteria after this time, especially if contaminated during production. Consuming or applying spoiled coconut water to skin risks food poisoning symptoms.
To avoid putting rotten coconut water on your face, make sure to store any excess in the refrigerator immediately. For optimal freshness and microbial control, use refrigerated coconut water within 2-3 days of opening the container.
You can also use coconut water directly from fresh young coconuts which are naturally sterilized by the coconut’s anatomy before opening the external husk. This avoids contamination issues.
Unregulated Industry
While food products in the U.S. must meet certain standards of quality and purity set forth by the FDA, these regulations do not apply to skincare ingredients. The coconut water industry is largely unregulated.
This means nutrient content, production methods, and manufacturing practices can vary widely between brands and products. There are currently no standards in place ensuring coconut water purity or quality control.
Some brands use coconuts that are old, dried out, moldy, or otherwise inferior. Certain companies dilute concentrated coconut water instead of using fresh extraction. Without regulation, inferior products inevitably end up on the market.
To find the highest quality coconut water, look for organic certification from reputable third-party organizations. Reputable brands also provide information on their sourcing and production. Steer clear of generic, cheap coconut water.
Tips for Using Coconut Water on Your Skin
If you want to test out the potential skin benefits of coconut water yourself, here are some tips for using it:
Do a Patch Test First
Before applying coconut water to your face or body, do a patch test to check for any allergic reaction. Apply a small amount to the inside of your forearm.
Wait 24-48 hours, checking periodically for redness, itching, swelling or any other abnormal reaction. If no reaction occurs, it should be safe to use.
Consume Coconut Water You Would Not Put On Your Skin
Evaluate the quality, smell, and appearance of bottled coconut water carefully before use. Only use products you would feel comfortable drinking as the standards are the same. Discard any coconut water that smells off or looks abnormal.
Opt for Fresh Coconut Water When Possible
The highest quality coconut water comes directly from young, green coconuts. The anatomy of the coconut naturally sterilizes the water inside. Open fresh coconuts yourself or look for vendors juicing them to order.
Refrigerate After Opening
Once exposed to air, bottled coconut water must be refrigerated. To avoid spoilage, keep any unused portion in the fridge in a sealed container. Use within 2-3 days for best freshness.
Use as a Facial Spray, Toner, or Mask Base
Some popular ways to use coconut water include as a facial spritz, hydrating toner after cleansing, or as the liquid base for DIY masks. Mix it with ingredients like aloe, herbs, clay, or oats.
Combine With Other Nourishing Ingredients
For added skincare benefits, combine coconut water with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel, green tea, chamomile, cucumber, or turmeric. You can also mix it with healthy oils to create a natural moisturizer.
Conclusion: A Promising But Unproven Natural Skincare Ingredient
In summary, while coconut water clearly has potential for enhancing skin hydration and health based on its nutritional profile, more clinical studies on its topical effects are needed.
Coconut water appears to be quite gentle on most skin types with minimal risks of reactions. But those with coconut allergies or kidney issues should exercise caution before using topically.
Anecdotal evidence of skin improvement with coconut water use is growing. But due to lack of regulation, quality considerations are paramount when purchasing.
Coconut water is an accessible, multi-tasking natural ingredient that may provide skincare benefits with few drawbacks. But stronger clinical evidence is still required to fully substantiate its topical effects.
While some experimentation is worthwhile, monitor your skin closely and discontinue use if any negative effects occur. Dermatologists also recommend consulting your doctor before applying coconut water to skin conditions if you have concerns.