Brown spots: can coconut oil lighten the skin?

The pigment spots manifest as areas of skin darker than the surrounding complexion, resulting from an overproduction or uneven distribution of melanin. This dysregulation of melanogenesis can be triggered by exposure to UV rays, but also by hormonal fluctuations, inflammatory processes (acne, eczema, irritation), scarring, or certain environmental factors. Depending on their origin, these spots may be superficial or deeper. Management of hyperpigmentation is generally based on active ingredients capable of modulating melanin synthesis, limiting its transfer to keratinocytes, or stimulating cellular renewal, in order to gradually reduce their appearance and even out the complexion.

As for the coconut oil, it is a plant-based oil rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and fatty acids, notably lauric acid. These are recognised for their anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. Coconut oil helps to strengthen the skin barrier, to reduce transepidermal water loss and protect the skin from environmental stressors.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that coconut oil can specifically target melanin production or significantly lighten brown spots.

Its hydrating and soothing properties can enhance the skin’s natural radiance, thus giving the impression of a brighter complexion. However, coconut oil on its own does not possess the necessary properties to target hyperpigmentation.

The available data suggest that coconut oil may offer an indirect benefit in formulations designed to brighten the complexion, without acting as a fully-fledged depigmenting agent. For instance, a study conducted by FAIZATUN and colleagues in 2021 investigated a body scrub combining virgin coconut oil, coffee grounds and activated charcoal derived from coconut shells. When applied regularly over two months, this formulation enabled a significant increase in skin hydration as well as the brightness index measured in 30 healthy volunteers.

However, the results do not allow this skin-brightening effect to be attributed to coconut oil alone. Instead, it seems to play a supporting role within the formulation : by strengthening the barrier function, reducing irritation and improving skin comfort, it would promote the tolerance and overall efficacy of the other active ingredients, such as coffee grounds or activated charcoal, which may contribute to an improved complexion.

At present, there is therefore no evidence that coconut oil, when used alone, can reduce pigment spots or inhibit melanogenesis.

Note : If you wish to target your brown spots, we would recommend skin-lightening agents whose efficacy has been demonstrated in various studies, such as the vitamin C, the niacinamide or arbutin acid.

• VERALLO-ROWELL V. M. & al. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatology (2004).

• EVANGELISTA M. T. P. & al. The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology (2014).

• AKDIS C. A. & al. Endotypes of allergic diseases and asthma: An important step in building blocks for the future of precision medicine. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports (2016).

• FAIZATUN F. & al. Body scrub containing Virgin Coconut Oil, coffee grounds (Coffea arabica Linn) and carbon active coconut shell (Activated carbon Cocos nucifera L) as a moisturiser and a skin brightener. Scripta Medica (2021).

• GEW L. T. & al. A comprehensive review of plant-based cosmetic oils (virgin coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil): Chemical and biological properties and their cosmeceutical applications. ACS Omega (2024).