Coconut Oil for Eyelashes: Is it good? Does it help the eyelashes grow?

coconut oil for eyelashes

Coconut oil is an excellent oil for the lashes and hair in general, thanks to its powerful ability to penetrate and fortify the hair shaft. But if you’re seeking a lash growth remedy, look elsewhere. While coconut oil may help address lash loss indirectly by conditioning the lashes or soothing the skin, it doesn’t help the lashes grow longer or thicker directly.

That said, if you’re seeking a simple home remedy for brittle lashes or natural makeup removal, coconut oil is worth a try. In this post, we’ll explain the real, science-backed benefits of coconut oil for eyelashes, how to use it, and more.

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 the hair. Here are some of the reasons why it’s so good for the lashes.

Penetrates

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’s so popular in hair care. Since eyelashes are technically hairs, it’s one of the few oils that won’t just coat your lashes but will also penetrate them. Once it sinks in, coconut oil helps fortify the lashes from within.

Strengthens Lashes

Thanks to its penetrative ability, coconut oil is incredible at keeping protein in the hair, making it stronger and less brittle. Protein loss in the lashes can occur due to washing the face in overly hot water or getting a lash lift. It leads to brittleness and may increase the risk of lash breakage.

Coconut oil is proven to prevent protein loss from the hair, especially when compared to mineral oil and sunflower oil. It’s highly recommended for damaged or porous hair and may also help keep the lashes strong and intact.

Soothes

Coconut oil can help alleviate some redness and itch associated with inflammatory skin conditions like atopic dermatitis. Its soothing components include linoleic acid, lauric acid, and various antioxidants. Since inflammation along the lash line can lead to reduced eyelash growth, coconut oil may offer some relief.

Antimicrobial

Pathogens can irritate the lash line or cause infections that can impact lash growth. The lauric acid in coconut oil has antimicrobial abilities, which may help prevent some infections.

Research is limited, but one study did find that using coconut oil on the eyes and lashes decreased demodex mite counts, which shows it may have potential as a treatment for blepharitis, an eye condition correlated with lash loss.

Moisturizing

Coconut oil is also beneficial for the eyelids and lash line. The skin around the eyes is often prone to dryness, so coconut oil can provide a nice boost or alternative to eye creams and moisturizers.

It fills in gaps between dead skin cells to better trap moisture in the skin. Research shows that it can even help with xerosis or severe dry skin.

Conditioning

Coconut oil’s slippery texture makes it excellent for conditioning the hair and lashes. It helps make the lashes a little softer and easier to detangle, much as it would if applied in the hair.

Fuller-Looking Lashes

Because coconut oil adds a sheen, you may find it makes your lashes seem fuller, especially when you don’t want to wear mascara. It’s a short-term method of enhancing the look of your eyelashes.

Makeup Removal

Most makeup products are formulated to be water-resistant, but not oil-resistant. Many oils can work well as makeup removers, and coconut oil can be particularly nice thanks to its thicker, less runny texture.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Eyelashes?

If you’d like to use coconut oil on your eyelashes, here are our tips for getting the most out of it while keeping your lashes healthy.

The best times to use coconut oil on your eyelashes are either overnight, after you’ve washed your face and applied your moisturizers, or before the shower to protect your lashes from absorbing too much water (something that can lead to brittleness).

Step-by-step application

To nourish your lashes

Pick up a small amount of oil with a cotton swab, skincare spoon, or even a disposable mascara wand.
Pro tip: Rub the oil between your fingers to melt it if it is too thick.
Using your swab or ring finger, gently rub the coconut oil over your lashes. Use downward motions to avoid putting too much pressure on your lashes.
If you’re using a mascara wand, apply the oil just as you would mascara.
That’s it! Now you can leave it on overnight.

For makeup removal:

Coat a cotton pad with a generous amount of coconut oil.
Hold the pad against your eye for 5-10 seconds.
Carefully wipe downwards to remove eye makeup.
Keep wiping until your lashes are makeup-free.
You may want to follow it up with micellar water or cleanser to remove any oil residue.

Coconut Oil Routine Plan

Routine	How Often	Purpose
Overnight conditioning	1x a day	Prevent breakage
Makeup removal	As needed	Clean lashes gently
Pre-shower protection	Optional	Prevent over-hydration

Lash Care Checklist

Clean your lashes daily
Always use a clean cotton swab or mascara wand
Apply a small amount of oil
Don’t use if wearing lash extensions
Detangle lashes when done
Sleep on your back or use a 3D sleep mask to prevent rubbing

Common Coconut Oil Combinations for Eyelashes

Because coconut oil is solid and balm-like at room temperature, the greatest benefit of pairing it with other oils is that it can create a runnier blend. A blend like that can fit into a travel bottle, and you may find it easier to use on your lashes.

To get your coconut oil to combine with other oils, you can melt it gently on low heat in the microwave or use a double-boiler.

Castor oil and coconut oil for eyelashes

Castor oil is incredibly popular for the lashes, but there's only limited evidence that it actually offers any hair growth benefits. It’s still a great oil, though, with unique soothing and hydrating properties. Combining it with coconut oil gives you a lighter lash-nourishing blend.

Coconut oil and aloe vera for eyelashes

Aloe vera is rich in minerals, vitamins, and polysaccharides, making it a soothing and hydrating skin and hair remedy. Mixing it with coconut oil gives you a much more hydrating solution, with a lighter texture that might be more pleasant on your skin.

NEVER pre-mix aloe vera and coconut oil. The combination of water-based aloe and coconut oil can breed bacteria quickly at room temperature, and may put the health of your eyes and lashes at risk.

Instead, you can safely layer on aloe vera followed by coconut oil, or combine the two in the palm of your hand right before applying to the lashes.

Olive oil and coconut oil for eyelashes

Olive oil, while very healthy in the diet, shows mixed benefits for skin and hair.

Older studies show that it may disrupt the skin barrier, while others suggest it may help promote skin renewal, so one should be careful before using it near the eyes.

There’s little to no evidence that offers any specific lash benefits.

That said, if your skin tolerates it, you can mix olive oil with coconut oil for a runnier texture.

Coconut oil and vitamin E for eyelashes

Vitamin E is a wonderfully soothing and protective antioxidant. It can actually extend the shelf life of oils like coconut oil while protecting both the skin and lashes from free radical damage.

Coconut oil and almond oil

Almond oil is a luxurious and richly moisturizing oil naturally rich in vitamin E. It's an excellent emollient for dry skin, much like coconut oil. This is another great option if you'd like your coconut oil to be runnier.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Coconut oil is quite safe (even right near the eyes), and it’s not associated with any side effects, according to most sources. That said, there are some things to keep in mind:

If the coconut oil gets in your eyes, you may experience cloudy vision temporarily.
Some users find that using products with coconut oil on their skin leads to breakouts or worsens their acne.
As with many rich moisturizers or oils, coconut oil may contribute to milia (hard keratin plugs that can form around the eyes).

Coconut Oil vs. Castor Oil vs. Vaseline for Eyelashes

Feature	Coconut Oil	Castor Oil	Vaseline
Penetrates hair	✔	✖	✖
Growth evidence	✖	Limited	✖
Best for	Conditioning	Thickness illusion	Occlusion

Coconut oil competes with castor oil and Vaseline for the most popular eyelash home remedies. But how do these ingredients compare? Here’s a quick rundown.

Compared to castor oil, coconut oil is thicker and more solid at room temperature, but it can melt into a runny oil. Vaseline is thicker than both and will not 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 experience lash breakage, it’s your best option.

However, when it comes to lash growth, castor oil slightly edges out both coconut oil and Vaseline since limited research suggests that its key constituent might have an impact on the lash growth cycle. All three lack robust evidence, especially when compared to commercial lash serums.

Additional Tips on Coconut Oil Usage for Eyelashes

You should consider a few other things before using coconut oil on your eyelashes.

Don’t use coconut oil with extensions. Oils can break down the lash extension adhesive, so they’re a big no-no. That said, you can use it when you’re taking an extension break.
Keep your coconut oil clean! Avoid sticking your fingers in the tub. Use disposable or clean applicators instead.
If you’re actively dealing with abnormal lash loss or recurrent eye issues, speak to your doctor about treatment. While coconut oil may help with some symptoms, it’s not approved to treat any specific health issues.

FAQ

What does coconut oil do for your eyelashes?

Coconut oil can condition and fortify the lashes, and it can also soothe and moisturize the skin around the eyes.

Is coconut oil safe for eyelashes?

Yes, coconut oil is a very safe and gentle option for the lashes.

How to use coconut oil for eyelashes?

To use coconut oil for the lashes, you can simply apply it with a cotton swab or use it as a makeup remover.

Is coconut oil good for eyebrows and eyelashes?

Coconut oil can be good for nourishing and fortifying the brows and lashes. However, it does not promote growth and may cause acne for some.

Is coconut oil or Vaseline better for eyelashes?

Coconut oil is more penetrative, so it's a better option for brittle lashes, while Vaseline is more occlusive, so it can seal in moisture and add more heft and sheen.

Is coconut oil or olive oil better for eyelashes?

Coconut oil is better as it is more penetrative, so it can better fortify the lashes.

Bottom Line

To summarize, coconut oil is excellent for the eyelashes — it conditions and fortifies hair and lashes, while soothing and nourishing the skin around the eyes. It’s a very safe option when used correctly, especially if you’re not prone to milia (small bumps around the eyes) or have pre-existing eye or lash conditions.

But keep in mind that coconut oil is not a lash growth remedy. If you’re looking for longer, thicker lashes, you’ll have better luck with a clinically tested lash serum or by choosing cosmetic enhancements.

Explore the world of eyelash growth with Lilac St. and learn more articles:

Understanding Eyelash Regrowth: Do Eyelashes Grow Back Naturally?

Why Are My Eyelashes Falling Out? 14 Causes and Conditions.

The Truth Revealed: Does Mascara Make Your Eyelashes Fall Out?

Discover Expert Tips on How to Grow Eyelashes.

Enhance Your Lashes: Is Vaseline Good for Eyelashes?

Unlock the Truth: Does Castor Oil Grow Eyelashes?

Does Crying Make Your Eyelashes Longer? Debunking the Myth.