Is it okay to mix coconut oil and olive oil?

December 9, 2025 •

5 min read

Recent scientific research in rats found that a blend of virgin coconut oil (VCO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) can offer enhanced protection against cardiotoxicity compared to using either oil alone. This raises the question: is it okay to mix coconut oil and olive oil, and what are the practical implications for cooking, skin, and hair care?

Quick Summary

This guide explores the practice of combining coconut oil and olive oil for various applications, including culinary uses and beauty treatments. It covers the benefits and considerations for mixing these two popular oils, addressing their distinct properties and how they interact in a blend for optimal results in different scenarios.

Key Points

Mixing is safe: Yes, it is okay to mix coconut oil and olive oil, and the blend can be used for cooking, hair, and skin.
Culinary considerations: Be mindful of the stronger, tropical flavor of coconut oil, which can overpower olive oil. A small amount of coconut oil with a majority of olive oil is often recommended.
Hair care benefits: As a DIY hair mask, the blend deeply moisturizes and strengthens hair, reducing protein loss and adding shine.
Skincare advantages: The combination delivers a powerful dose of antioxidants and hydration, and can be used for facial massage, scrubs, and makeup removal.
Enhanced antioxidant effects: Studies suggest that the combination of both oils may offer enhanced health benefits due to the synergistic effects of their antioxidants.
Watch for comedogenicity: Coconut oil has a higher comedogenic rating, so a patch test is recommended before using a facial skin blend.
Know the difference: Coconut oil (mostly saturated fats) is solid at room temperature and has a tropical flavor, while olive oil (mostly monounsaturated fats) is liquid and has a richer, fruitier taste.

Can You Mix Coconut Oil and Olive Oil? The Answer is Yes

Mixing coconut oil and olive oil is not only acceptable but can be quite beneficial depending on the intended use. Both oils are celebrated for their unique properties, and combining them allows you to leverage the strengths of each. The key lies in understanding their fundamental differences and how they can complement one another.

Coconut oil is primarily composed of saturated fats, particularly lauric acid, which has a small molecular structure allowing it to deeply penetrate hair and skin. It is solid at room temperature (below 75-77°F or 24-25°C) and lends a distinct tropical flavor to dishes. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols, offering significant heart health benefits. It has a robust, fruity flavor and remains liquid at cooler temperatures.

Combining Oils for Cooking

In the kitchen, the decision to mix these oils depends on the dish and desired flavor. The strong, sweet flavor of coconut oil can easily overpower the delicate, peppery notes of a high-quality extra virgin olive oil. A balanced approach is crucial to avoid an unexpected taste. Using a small amount of coconut oil with a larger proportion of olive oil can add a subtle sweetness and tropical aroma to a stir-fry, while the olive oil maintains a more neutral base.

Culinary Applications for Blended Oils

Sautéing: A mix can create a flavorful and versatile cooking medium. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point than virgin, making it suitable for higher heat, and blending it with olive oil can create a balanced cooking oil.
Baking: For recipes where a subtle tropical note is desired, like certain cakes or brownies, a mix can be a great substitute for butter.
Dressings: While coconut oil solidifies at cooler temperatures, mixing it with olive oil can help lower the overall melting point, though separation can still occur in a cold dressing. It's best to use this blend for warm dressings or marinades.

The Benefits of a Hair Mask Blend

One of the most popular applications for a coconut and olive oil blend is as a DIY hair mask. This combination is a powerhouse for hair health, with both oils providing distinct benefits.

How to create a mask

Melt the coconut oil until it becomes a liquid.
Combine with extra virgin olive oil. A common ratio is 1 part olive oil to 2 parts coconut oil, but you can adjust based on your hair's needs.
Apply to dry, clean hair, focusing on the ends and dry areas.
Leave the mask on for 30-45 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper treatment. Cover your hair with a shower cap to prevent staining.
Rinse thoroughly and shampoo as usual.

The Power of a Skincare Blend

For skincare, the mix of coconut oil and olive oil provides a moisturizing and antioxidant-rich treatment. Coconut oil's antifungal and antibacterial properties can benefit the skin, while olive oil's antioxidants and vitamins can help combat free radicals and moisturize. This blend can be used for facial massages, body scrubs, or as an all-purpose moisturizer.

Face Massage: A gentle face massage with this oil blend can improve circulation, hydrate the skin, and leave it with a natural glow.
Body Scrub: Create an exfoliating scrub by mixing the oils with sugar or salt.
Makeup Remover: The oil blend is effective at dissolving makeup, especially stubborn eye makeup.

A Comparison of Mixing Coconut Oil and Olive Oil


Feature	Cooking	Hair Care	Skincare
Best Ratio	Varies; use mostly olive oil with a small amount of coconut oil to avoid overpowering flavor.	Experiment with ratios, a 1:2 olive to coconut ratio is a popular starting point for deep conditioning.	Even mix (1:1) is generally fine, but can be adjusted based on skin type and use.
Main Benefit	Creates a versatile cooking oil with a balanced flavor profile and adjusted smoke point.	Deeply moisturizes, strengthens, and adds shine, protecting against protein loss and frizz.	Provides intense hydration and antioxidant protection while soothing and moisturizing the skin.
Key Consideration	Flavor profile can be significantly altered by coconut oil; mind the temperature as coconut oil solidifies.	Can be comedogenic for some scalps; ensure a thorough rinse to avoid clogging pores.	Coconut oil has a high comedogenic rating, so a patch test is recommended for facial application.
Outcome	Balanced and flavorful results for sautéing and baking, especially for dishes where a tropical note is welcome.	Soft, shiny, and nourished hair with reduced protein loss and frizz.	Hydrated, radiant skin with enhanced protection from free radical damage.

Final Takeaways: Is it okay to mix coconut oil and olive oil?

Yes, it is entirely fine to mix coconut oil and olive oil, and doing so can yield synergistic benefits for specific applications. The combination is not inherently harmful and can offer an improved antioxidant profile when blended. However, success lies in understanding the context. For cooking, consider the flavor impact and the blend's smoke point. For hair and skin, be mindful of potential pore-clogging issues and always start with a patch test. By mixing these oils, you can create a customized, natural, and highly effective product tailored to your needs. A study involving rats demonstrated that a 1:1 mixture of VCO and EVOO offered superior protection against cardiotoxicity compared to the individual oils, suggesting potential health benefits. For general health advice, however, consult a medical professional.

Conclusion

Combining coconut and olive oils is a versatile practice with applications ranging from culinary to cosmetic. While the oils possess distinct characteristics—coconut oil's saturated fats and tropical flavor versus olive oil's monounsaturated fats and antioxidants—mixing them can lead to enhanced benefits. For hair, the blend delivers deep moisture and strength. For skin, it provides hydration and antioxidant protection. In cooking, it offers a unique flavor profile suitable for certain dishes. By understanding the properties of each oil, you can create a blend that perfectly suits your purpose, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen and beauty routine.

Here is a reliable resource on the properties of fatty acids from the NIH

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single 'best' ratio, as it depends on the dish and your preference. To avoid overwhelming the flavor with coconut, use a smaller amount of coconut oil (e.g., 1 part coconut to 3-4 parts olive oil) for general sautéing or baking.

It is not recommended to use a mix of these oils for deep frying. The oils have different smoke points, and their flavor profiles and density can create an undesirable result, potentially causing a frothy or weird texture.

Yes, a coconut and olive oil blend is excellent for dry hair. Coconut oil deeply penetrates the hair shaft, while olive oil provides emollients that soften and add shine. This combination provides both moisture and nourishment.

Yes, you can. The blend can act as a moisturizer and makeup remover. However, because coconut oil is highly comedogenic, it can clog pores for some people. It's recommended to do a patch test first to see how your skin reacts.

To make a hair mask, gently warm the coconut oil until it is liquid. Mix it with extra virgin olive oil (a 1:2 olive to coconut ratio works well). Apply the blend to your hair, let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse thoroughly.

Combining these two oils can provide a synergistic boost of antioxidants. One animal study found that a 1:1 blend of virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil offered enhanced protection against cardiotoxicity compared to the individual oils.

Mixing coconut oil with a liquid oil like olive oil will lower the overall melting point of the blend. However, it will not completely prevent it from solidifying if stored in a cool environment, though it will likely remain liquid at a slightly lower temperature than pure coconut oil.