What Happens if You Put Too Much Coconut Oil on Your Skin or Hair?

November 17, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the American Heart Association, coconut oil is 82% to 92% saturated fat, making it extremely rich and occlusive. This high fat content explains why using too much coconut oil can lead to a host of problems for your hair and skin, counteracting its purported benefits and creating new issues entirely.

Quick Summary

Using excessive coconut oil on skin can clog pores and cause acne or folliculitis, while applying too much to hair leads to greasiness, buildup, and a weighed-down feeling. The thick, saturated nature of the oil can overwhelm the skin's and hair's natural balance, requiring careful application and proper cleansing to prevent adverse effects.

Key Points

Clogged Pores: Too much coconut oil on the skin, especially the face, can clog pores due to its comedogenic nature, leading to acne, blackheads, and whiteheads.
Greasy Hair: Over-applying coconut oil to hair, particularly fine or thin hair, will weigh it down and make it appear greasy and limp.
Scalp Buildup: Excessive use or poor washing can cause an oily buildup on the scalp, which can clog follicles, lead to itchiness, and potentially hinder hair growth.
Risk of Folliculitis: Blocked hair follicles from excess oil on the body can create an environment for bacteria, causing a skin infection known as folliculitis.
Counterintuitive Brittleness: For hair, excessive moisture from coconut oil can lead to protein overload, making strands stiff, brittle, and more prone to breakage.
Digestive Upset: Consuming too much coconut oil can cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain due to its high fat content.

Understanding the Coconut Oil Dilemma

Coconut oil is often hailed as a miracle solution for skin and hair health, but its high concentration of saturated fats means there is a fine line between beneficial moisture and excessive residue. When you apply too much coconut oil, its occlusive properties, which are great for sealing in moisture, can start to backfire, creating a barrier that traps unwanted elements and disrupts natural processes. Both skin and hair have their own unique balance, and overloading them with a heavy oil can easily tip that balance towards unwelcome outcomes.

The Negative Effects of Too Much Coconut Oil on Your Skin

Applying an excessive amount of coconut oil to your skin, especially your face, can be particularly problematic. This is because coconut oil is highly comedogenic, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores, particularly for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Clogged pores can result in blackheads, whiteheads, and breakouts. Excess oil can also contribute to folliculitis, an infection around hair follicles. The thick consistency can leave a greasy feeling, and applying it to broken skin may increase infection risk.

The Negative Effects of Too Much Coconut Oil on Your Hair

Misusing coconut oil can negatively impact your hair. Overuse often leads to hair appearing oily, greasy, and weighed down, especially for those with fine or thin hair. Frequent application or insufficient washing can cause buildup on the hair and scalp, potentially clogging follicles and causing itchiness. Additionally, excessive use can lead to protein overload, making hair stiff, brittle, and prone to breakage.

Comparison: Effects of Excessive Coconut Oil


Issue	Skin	Hair
Appearance	Greasy, shiny film, increased breakouts	Oily, weighed-down, dull appearance
Causes	Clogged pores, bacterial overgrowth in follicles	Excess residue, buildup on scalp and strands
Primary Condition	Acne, folliculitis	Greasiness, dullness, and dandruff
Remedy	Double cleansing with a gentle cleanser, patch test	Using a clarifying shampoo, baking soda rinse, or egg wash to remove excess oil
Prevention	Use sparingly, avoid on acne-prone areas (face, chest, back)	Use a pea-sized amount, focus on ends, avoid the scalp
Sensitive Skin/Hair Type	Not recommended for oily or sensitive skin, especially on the face	Not recommended for fine, thin, or low-porosity hair

How to Use Coconut Oil Safely and Effectively

To enjoy coconut oil's benefits without the drawbacks, use moderation and proper techniques. Start with a small amount—a pea-sized dab for hair and a light layer for skin is often sufficient. Focus on specific areas like dry ends of hair or targeted dry skin patches, avoiding the scalp and breakout-prone areas. Always perform a patch test before widespread application. Consider using it as an occasional treatment rather than a daily product. When used as a hair mask, wash it out thoroughly, potentially using a clarifying shampoo or an egg wash to remove residue.

Conclusion

While coconut oil can offer moisturizing benefits, using too much carries risks like greasy hair, scalp buildup, clogged pores, and acne. Moderation and mindful application are crucial. By using minimal amounts, focusing on targeted areas, and ensuring thorough removal, you can enjoy the benefits without negative consequences. Pay attention to how your skin and hair react and adjust your routine as needed. For more information on healthy skincare, consult resources from organizations like the American Academy of Dermatology. American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org

Expert Opinions on Coconut Oil Use

Dermatologists like Dr. Janiene Luke and Dr. Karan Lal advise caution with coconut oil, noting its suitability varies by hair and skin type. While beneficial for dry hair and skin, its heavy nature may not suit everyone. The American Heart Association also recommends limited dietary intake due to its high saturated fat content. This reinforces the principle of using coconut oil sparingly, whether for consumption or topical application.

How to Fix Excess Coconut Oil

If you've applied too much coconut oil, several methods can help.

For Hair:

Use a clarifying shampoo to remove buildup.
A baking soda paste can help remove excess oil.
Applying conditioner to dry, oily hair before washing can help emulsify the oil.

For Skin:

Double cleansing (oil-based followed by water-based) effectively removes the oil layer.
Blotting papers can absorb surface oil.
A gentle astringent like witch hazel can help remove greasiness and tighten pores.

By understanding potential issues and remedies, you can use coconut oil effectively in your beauty routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, coconut oil is highly comedogenic and can clog pores, especially for those with oily or acne-prone skin, leading to breakouts and other skin issues.

To remove excess coconut oil, use a clarifying shampoo, a baking soda paste, or an egg wash to emulsify and break down the oil. You may need to shampoo twice.

Yes, applying too much coconut oil to your scalp can clog hair follicles and create a breeding ground for buildup and bacteria, potentially causing itchiness and other scalp problems.

Leaving a heavy layer of coconut oil on your skin overnight can lead to clogged pores and breakouts, especially for those with oily or sensitive skin. It can also stain bedding.

While coconut oil is not typically the cause of hair loss, excessive use can contribute to protein overload, which makes hair brittle and more prone to breakage. It can also weigh down hair, making it feel heavy and weak.

For hair, start with a pea-sized amount and focus on the ends. For skin, use a light layer on targeted dry areas. The key is moderation, as a little goes a long way.

Yes, because coconut oil is high in saturated fat, excessive consumption can increase LDL ('bad') cholesterol levels, which is a risk factor for heart disease.