Using coconut oil for eyelashes may not sound like it would help much, but in fact, this powerful oil is surprisingly effective for eyelash strength and growth.
Does Coconut Oil for Eyelashes Work?
Adding coconut oil to your eyelashes can help protect your eyes and improve the appearance of your eyelashes in a number of ways. As per the USDA, coconut oil is rich in minerals, vitamins, and fatty acids. The high concentration of beneficial fatty acids and antioxidants in this oil, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds and other nutrients, can be more beneficial than many other products that people choose to make their eyelashes more prominent. Adding too much mascara can make your eyelashes look clumpy, and other oil-based products can clog pores or even increase your risk of fungal infection. Using coconut oil is one of the safest and easiest ways to make your eyelashes stand out! [1] [2]
Why Should You Apply Coconut Oil for Eyelashes?
Coconut oil is good for eyelashes as it helps stimulate growth, prevent dandruff and infections, strengthen the lashes, boosts shine and texture, and moisturize the area of application. Additionally, a patent by Jan Marini, founder and CEO of Jan Marini Skin Research, shows the use of coconut oil as one of the constituents in the preparation of eyelash cosmetics. [3] [4]
Coconut oil in a small bottle Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Growth
With vitamin E, minerals, and other critical nutrients for growth, this oil can help to increase the rate of growth of your eyelashes, by improving follicle strength. It can also tone up the skin around the follicles, improving elasticity and ensuring that as many of your lashes can flourish as possible. [5]
Strength
Because coconut oil is rich in proteins and beneficial fatty acids, it is able to be absorbed into hair follicles, where it can strengthen the lashes and prevent their premature fallout. [6]
Shine and Texture
If you apply this to your lashes 1-2 times per week, the shine and texture of your lashes will surely improve; instead of needing clumpy mascara to help your lashes stand out, this oil will make them sharp, shiny, and full.
Dandruff
A study conducted by Dr. Christopher Masterjohn, assistant professor of Health and Nutrition Sciences at Brooklyn College throws light on the anti-inflammatory effects of coconut oil. The anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-fungal effects of coconut oil can reduce inflammation, such as dandruff (yes, even around the eyes), as well as fight off the many fungal infections that regularly affect the eye, particularly in women who apply a good amount of makeup on a regular basis. [7]
How to Use Coconut Oil for Eyelashes?
If you want to use coconut oil for your eyelashes, there are a few different options, either using coconut oil by itself or blending it with another carrier oil. If you want to use a combination of oils, some of the best options are castor seed oil and grapeseed oil, but if using these, be careful when applying the oil; they aren’t as gentle as coconut oil if they get in your eyes.
- Step 1 – Dip a cotton swab or Q-Tip into virgin organic coconut oil.
- Step 2 – Gently apply the oil to the eyelashes with your eyes closed.
- Step 3 – Massage the oil into the lashes carefully.
- Step 4 – Allow the oil to remain in place for at least an hour.
- Step 5 – Wash your face with warm water and pat dry, especially around your eyes.
- Step 6 – Repeat this process regularly for best effects.
