Aloe vera vs coconut oil: Which should you use?

What is the difference?

Pick for the job rather than the word "natural", which is not a set of application instructions. These are different options, not interchangeable versions of the same moisturizer.12

How should you use coconut oil for dry skin?

Coconut oil helps reduce water escaping from the skin and works best here as a body moisturizer. Coconut oil has a legitimate use outside dinner, but that use is mainly below the neck.2

1. 1Start with a little pure, unrefined, cold pressed coconut oil.
2. 2Apply after showering or bathing, focusing on dry elbows, knees, hands and feet.
3. 3Avoid your face and any shoulders, chest or back areas where you get acne.
4. 4Watch how your skin responds before applying more widely. Reapply during the day as needed.

Is aloe vera better for sunburn?

Aloe is the more appropriate choice for soothing sore, sunburned skin. Move out of the sun, take a cool shower and apply a soothing aloe after sun cream. Keep the burned skin covered with loose clothing and stay out of the sun until it heals. Sunburn usually improves within seven days; that is the usual healing time, not an aloe deadline. Aloe gel may also reduce burn pain and speed healing.13

Get medical advice if sunburned skin is swollen or blistered. A child who is also unwell, unusually tired or lightheaded needs medical advice rather than another application of after sun.1

Which is better if you get acne?

Skip coconut oil on acne prone skin. Choose products labelled "oil free", "noncomedogenic" or "won't clog pores" instead. Aloe gel may help alongside other acne treatments, but aloe alone is not an established acne treatment. One combined treatment used aloe gel, ultrasound and a soft mask over eight weeks. The aloe gel had company, rather than a solo shift.345

Use an acne treatment suited to your blemishes rather than relying on either ingredient to clear them. Acne treatments generally need six to eight weeks to show improvement. Deep, painful breakouts need a dermatologist's help.4

What about eczema?

Aloe is not an established eczema treatment. A small trial involving 36 people found improvement with an aloe and virgin olive oil cream used twice daily for six weeks. That combination is different from plain aloe or aloe mixed with coconut oil. Do not replace prescribed eczema treatment with either ingredient.36

Can you use aloe vera with coconut oil?

A specific benefit from combining aloe and coconut oil remains uncertain. For dry body skin, coconut oil has a clear moisturizing role; for sore sunburn, aloe has a clear soothing role. There is no established mixing ratio or application schedule for the pair.12

When should you stop or ask for advice?

Stop aloe if it causes burning, itching or a rash, and stop coconut oil on areas developing breakouts. If you take medicines, ask your healthcare provider before using aloe because herbal products can interact with medicines. Ask before using aloe during pregnancy or breastfeeding; aloe taken by mouth may be unsafe during either.23