Employed for centuries across various traditions, coconut oil is frequently presented as a soothing agent for both skin and scalp. Rich in fatty acids, it now features prominently in home-care regimens as well as a wide array of cosmetic products. Yet, when faced with itching, irritation or other skin discomforts, can it genuinely provide measurable relief? And, above all, what biological mechanisms have been proposed and what scientific evidence exists to support these uses? Find out more here.
Coconut oil for soothing itching of the scalp and skin?
Summary
Published on January 23, 2026, updated on January 23, 2026, by Andjela, Chemical Engineer — 8 min of reading
Themes:
Why use coconut oil on the scalp and skin?
Coconut oil is not confined to dietary use: its specific lipid composition underlies the interest it arouses in skin and hair care. It is primarily composed of medium-chain saturated fatty acids, of which lauric acid represents a major share. This fatty acid exhibits a distinct affinity for the skin, where it is recognised for its antibacterial, antifungal and inflammation-modulating properties. Owing to their molecular size, medium-chain fatty acids can more easily integrate into the lipids of the stratum corneum, thereby contributing to strengthening of the barrier function.
Moreover, coconut oil also acts as an emollient and an occlusive agent. By forming a film on the surface of the skin and scalp, it limits insensible water loss, thereby alleviating dryness, irritation and discomfort. Finally, coconut oil contains phenolic compounds such as ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid, which impart moderate antioxidant activity. By neutralising some of the free radicals involved in cutaneous oxidative stress, these compounds can contribute to limiting local inflammatory processes.
The combination of these various mechanisms – support for the skin barrier, reduction of dehydration and oxidative protection – explains why coconut oil is often considered to care for sensitive or itch-prone skin and scalps.
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Can coconut oil effectively soothe itching and irritation?
Several scientific studies have investigated the effects of virgin coconut oil in dermatological contexts associated with itching and skin irritation. In children with atopic dermatitis, a clinical trial conducted by Evangelista and colleagues demonstrated that a daily application of coconut oil significantly reduced symptom severity compared with mineral oil. The authors observed an improvement in skin barrier function, characterised by a decrease in transepidermal water loss and a reduction in SCORAD, a score assessing eczema severity. These biophysical changes resulted in a reduction in sensations of dryness and pruritus, two manifestations closely linked to the chronic impairment of the skin barrier seen in atopic dermatitis.
Changes in SCORAD over the course of treatment.
Source: EVANGELISTA M. T. & 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).
The interest in coconut oil goes further. A recent study by SHARMA and his team investigated its impact on the microbiome of the scalp, particularly in the context of dandruff and related irritations. Over a 16-week period, daily application of coconut oil was associated with an increase in bacterial populations considered beneficial, alongside a decrease in fungi of the genus Malassezia, implicated in the pathophysiology of dandruff. This modulation of the microbiome was accompanied by a reduction in itching and signs of scalp irritation. Lauric acid, recognised for its antifungal activity, emerges as one of the main contributors to this rebalancing effect.
Finally, SODIKIN and his team demonstrated that a combination of massage and coconut oil application could reduce itching in patients with diabetes. The study suggests that, when applied twice daily with a gentle massage, coconut oil can improve skin hydration and diminish itching associated with dry skin.
| Time of day | Day 1 (before application) | Day 1 (after application) | Day 2 (before application) | Day 2 (after application) | Day 3 (before application) | Day 3 (after application) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning ` and ` 7 ` and ` 7 6 6 `…` 5 `…` 5 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 5 |
| Evening ` and ` 7 6 6 `…` 5 4 4 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Itch severity scale before and after application of coconut oil.
Source: SODIKIN M. & al. The effectiveness of massage and virgin coconut oil (VCO) combination therapy on reducing itching in diabetes mellitus. Journal Kesehatan Komunitas Indonesia (2023).
These studies suggest that coconut oil offers a natural option for alleviating skin itchiness.
Is the use of coconut oil safe for everyone?
Despite its intriguing properties, coconut oil is not necessarily suitable for all skin and scalp types.
In individuals with oily or acne-prone skin, its undiluted application—particularly on the face—can promote the appearance of imperfections. The coconut oil is indeed classified as moderately comedogenic, meaning it can contribute to pore blockage and the formation of lesions in skin prone to excessive sebum production. Conversely, in cases of pronounced skin dryness or a compromised barrier, such as in xerosis or atopic dermatitis, its occlusive properties may be relevant for limiting dehydration and soothing discomfort.
The choice of oil type is also crucial. Virgin coconut oil is generally preferable to refined oils, as it retains a greater proportion of its fatty acids and naturally occurring antioxidant compounds. This richness gives VCO better skin affinity and generally improved tolerance. Moreover, even though available studies do not report any major adverse effects associated with the use of coconut oil, caution is still warranted in those with sensitive skin or an allergic predisposition. A preliminary test allows the risk of a skin reaction to be limited. Furthermore, in the case of dandruff, coconut oil can be incorporated into an overall routine, but it may have its limitations, thus requiring dermatological advice.
Coconut oil represents an intriguing natural option for alleviating sensations of itching and irritation, though it is not a miracle cure.
Sources
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. & 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).
ADKIS 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).
SHARMA V. K. & al. Longitudinal study of the scalp microbiome suggests coconut oil to enrich healthy scalp commensals. Scientific Reports (2021).
SODIKIN M. & al. The effectiveness of massage and virgin coconut oil (VCO) combination therapy on reducing itching in diabetes mellitus. Journal Kesehatan Komunitas Indonesia (2023).
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).
