Virgin coconut oil is a pure, cold-pressed oil extracted from the fresh fruit of the coconut palm. Naturally rich in nourishing fatty acids and antioxidant polyphenols, it offers deep replenishment for dry, lipid-depleted skin.
This article with discuss:
- What is virgin coconut oil?
- How is virgin coconut oil made?
- What does virgin coconut oil smell like?
- What color is virgin coconut oil?
- What does virgin coconut oil feel like?
- What is composition of virgin coconut oil?
- What are the 7 benefits of virgin coconut oil?
- Does virgin coconut oil clog pores?
- Summary
- References
What is virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil is pure, cold-pressed oil extracted from the fresh meat of the coconut palm fruit.
It is unrefined, meaning it has not undergone bleaching or deodorizing processes, preserving its natural integrity.
This oil retains a delightful, tropical coconut aroma and is prized for its purity and gentle extraction method.
How is virgin coconut oil made?
Virgin coconut oil can be produced directly from the fresh coconut meat, or from coconut milk, or from coconut milk residue (Bawalan et al., 2006).
Virgin coconut oil is obtained from fresh, mature kernel (meat) of the coconut by mechanical or natural means, with or without the use of heat, without undergoing chemical refining, bleaching or de-odorizing, and which does not lead to the alteration of the nature of the oil (Bawalan et al., 2006).
Refined vs unrefined coconut oil
Virgin coconut oil differs greatly from traditionally produced, copra derived coconut oil, which must undergo chemical refining, bleaching and de-odorization processes to make it suitable for consumption (Bawalan et al., 2006).
Virgin coconut oil has a fresh coconut aroma that can be mild to intense depending on the oil extraction process used.
What does virgin coconut oil smell like?
Virgin coconut oil has a rich, natural aroma that is creamy, buttery, and softly sweet.
This scent comes directly from the coconut itself and is most pronounced in minimally processed oils, where delicate aromatic compounds are preserved.
Why does virgin coconut oil smell so good?
The aroma of coconut oil varies significantly depending on how it is processed.
- Virgin and extra virgin coconut oil have the strongest, most authentic coconut scent
- Refined coconut oil and MCT oil are nearly odorless
Because virgin coconut oil is cold-pressed and minimally processed, it retains both its nutrients and its natural aroma molecules, creating a fuller sensory experience.
The aroma chemistry of virgin coconut oil
The signature coconut scent comes primarily from a group of compounds called lactones, which give coconut its creamy, slightly fruity character (Santos et al., 2011).
Key aroma compounds:
Lactones (core coconut scent)
- δ-octalactone → fatty, coconut-like with soft green notes
- δ-decalactone → creamy coconut with subtle peach undertones
Fruity notes
- ethyl decanoate → sweet, apple-like
- ethyl acetate → light, pear-like fruitiness
- nonanal → citrus peel with fresh, green nuances
- limonene → bright, sweet orange
Fresh and green notes
- 2-heptanone → fruity, waxy, slightly green
- hexanal → freshly cut grass
Together, these compounds create a scent that is not just “coconut,” but layered, creamy, and gently fruit-like with a fresh natural lift.
How processing affects the scent
Different types of coconut oil have very different aromatic profiles:
Virgin / extra virgin coconut oil
- Strong, natural coconut aroma
- Creamy, sweet, and slightly fruity
- Retains full aromatic complexity
Refined coconut oil
- Little to no scent
- Neutral, stripped of aromatic compounds
MCT (fractionated) coconut oil
- Completely odorless
- Contains only selected fatty acids, with aroma removed
Isolated lauric acid
- No scent
- Lacks the complex aromatic profile of whole oil
Why this matters for your skin (and your experience)
For dry skin, skincare is not just functional, it’s sensory.
Virgin coconut oil offers more than hydration and barrier support. Its natural aroma creates a comforting ritual, transforming cleansing from something that can feel stripping into something that feels nourishing and restorative.
What color is virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil is a white solid at room temperature, and is clear when it is liquid.
What does virgin coconut oil feel like?
The texture of virgin coconut oil is lightweight, smooth and creamy.
Virgin coconut oil creates an oily, protective barrier on the skin which is absorbed fairly quickly.
What is composition of virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil is composed of fatty acids, vitamin E polyphenols and minor compounds such as lactones.
Virgin coconut oil is mainly composed of saturated fatty acids, including lauric acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid.
Fatty acids
Virgin coconut oil contains fatty acids including:
- 49% lauric acid
- 18% myristic acid
- 8% palmitic acid
- 8% caprylic acid
- 7% capric acid
- 6% oleic acid
- 2% linoleic acid
- 2% stearic acid
Vitamin E
Coconut oil has been shown to contain vitamin E (Shahidi et al., 2016).
Vitamin E is a family of compounds with different vitamin E activities and antioxidant properties that includes tocopherols and tocotrienols
Coconut oil contains small amounts of vitamin E tocopherols:
- 0.002 - 0.018 mg/g alpha-tocotrienol
- trace - 0.002 mg/g beta-tocotrienol
- trace - 0.001 mg/g gamma-tocopherol
- none - 0.004 mg/g delta-tocopherol
Coconut oil is also a source of vitamin E tocotrienols and has been shown to contain:
- 0.01 - 0.03 mg/g alpha-tocopherol
- trace - 0.002 mg/g beta-tocopherol
- 0.003 - 0.006 mg/g gamma-tocopherol
- trace - 0.001 mg/g delta-tocopherol
Polyphenols
Virgin coconut oil is also rich in polyphenols with antioxidant activity (Marina et al., 2009).
Virgin coconut oil has been shown to contain:
- 5.09 mg/kg ferulic acid
- 2.08 mg/kg vanillic acid
- 0.45 - 0.90 mg/kg syringic acid
- 0.75 mg/kg p-coumaric acid
- 0.12 mg/kg caffeic acid
The total phenolic contents in virgin coconut oil are higher than refined coconut oil (Marina et al., 2009; Rohman et al., 2021).
What are the 7 benefits of virgin coconut oil?
Virgin coconut oil is a unique botanical lipid with a composition that makes it especially beneficial for dry, lipid-deficient skin. It works on multiple levels, supporting the skin barrier, improving hydration, and enhancing the overall sensory experience of skincare.
1. Supports dry skin and strengthens the barrier
Virgin coconut oil has been clinically shown to improve symptoms of dry skin and support barrier function.
In a study of children with atopic dermatitis, topical virgin coconut oil significantly reduced dryness and improved skin barrier function compared to mineral oil (Evangelista et al., 2014). Other research has shown coconut oil to be as effective and safe as mineral oil when used as a moisturizer for mild to moderate dry skin (Agero et al., 2004).
As an emollient rich in fatty acids, coconut oil helps replenish lipids in the skin barrier, restoring softness, smoothness, and resilience.
2. Deeply softens and conditions dry skin
Virgin coconut oil is highly skin-conditioning, helping to restore suppleness and improve the feel of dry, rough skin.
It melts on contact with the skin, forming a light protective layer that reduces moisture loss while gradually absorbing to leave the skin soft, smooth, and nourished. Clinical studies confirm its ability to soften and lubricate the skin, improving texture and overall appearance (Agero et al., 2004; Verallo-Rowell et al., 2008; Evangelista et al., 2014).
For dry skin, which often lacks both water and lipids, this replenishing effect is especially valuable.
3. Helps relieve dryness, flaking, and discomfort
Dry skin often presents with tightness, roughness, flaking, and sometimes itching.
Virgin coconut oil can help relieve these symptoms by improving hydration and reinforcing the skin barrier. It has been shown to reduce scaling, chapping, and roughness associated with dryness, while also helping to soothe itch and irritation (Agero et al., 2004; Verallo-Rowell et al., 2008; Evangelista et al., 2014).
With consistent use, skin appears smoother, more elastic, and more comfortable.
4. Natural antibacterial protection
Dry, compromised skin is more vulnerable to microbial imbalance, particularly colonization by Staphylococcus aureus, which can worsen irritation and inflammation.
Virgin coconut oil exhibits antibacterial activity against S. aureus in both clinical and laboratory studies (Verallo-Rowell et al., 2008; Widianingrum et al., 2019).
This activity is largely attributed to its high content of lauric acid (approximately 50%), a fatty acid with well-documented antimicrobial properties (Kitahara et al., 2004; Kelsey et al., 2006).
5. Rich in antioxidants and polyphenols
Virgin coconut oil contains polyphenols with antioxidant activity that help protect the skin from oxidative stress.
Identified compounds include ferulic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, p-coumaric acid, and caffeic acid (Marina et al., 2009). Notably, unrefined virgin coconut oil contains higher levels of these beneficial compounds compared to refined coconut oil (Marina et al., 2009; Rohman et al., 2021).
These antioxidants contribute to overall skin health and help support a more radiant, resilient complexion.
6. Anti-inflammatory and soothing effects
Virgin coconut oil has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in cell-based studies, helping to reduce markers of skin inflammation and support barrier repair (Varma et al., 2019).
Interestingly, traditionally prepared coconut oil, typically richer in polyphenols, has shown even greater anti-inflammatory potential compared to refined versions (Illam et al., 2021).
This makes virgin coconut oil particularly well-suited for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin.
7. A sensory, comforting skincare experience
Beyond its functional benefits, virgin coconut oil offers a beautiful sensory experience.
It has a soft, creamy texture that melts effortlessly into the skin, along with a natural, subtly sweet coconut aroma. For those with dry skin, who often associate cleansing with tightness or discomfort, this transforms skincare into a nourishing, comforting ritual.
Does virgin coconut oil clog pores?
Topically applied 100% coconut oil has been shown in multiple studies to be comedogenic, meaning it can contribute to clogged pores and microcomedone formation (Srinivas et al., 1988; Fulton, 1989; Francis et al., 2019; Gala et al., 2021; Aich et al., 2025).
In early research using the rabbit ear assay, a standard model for assessing comedogenicity, coconut oil was assigned a score of 4 out of 5, indicating a strong tendency to promote follicular hyperkeratosis and microcomedone formation (Fulton, 1989). Both refined (copra) coconut oil and virgin coconut oil have demonstrated comedone-forming potential in this model (Francis et al., 2019).
Evidence from human studies also supports this effect. In a clinical trial involving 26 women, coconut oil was used as a positive control to evaluate the comedogenicity of a moisturizer applied to the upper back over one month. After 4 weeks, all participants developed microcomedones: 9 had small, 10 had moderate, and 7 had large globoid microcomedones, with no participants showing a non-comedogenic response (Aich et al., 2025).
However, not all studies agree. In a separate clinical trial of 33 participants with mixed to oily, acne-prone skin, cold-pressed coconut oil was applied to damp skin after showering. After 21 days, there were no increases in oiliness, papules, pustules, or comedones (de Souza Alecrim et al., 2023).
This discrepancy may be explained by study duration. In human skin, it often takes longer than four weeks to observe clear comedone formation (Kligman et al., 1972), suggesting that the 21-day study period may not have been sufficient to detect longer-term pore-clogging effects.
It’s also important to note that most studies evaluate coconut oil at 100% concentration. The comedogenic potential of coconut oil when used at lower concentrations (e.g., 10% in a formulation) has not been well studied.
Summary
Virgin coconut oil is a pure, cold-pressed oil extracted from the fruit of the coconut palm.
Naturally rich in nourishing fatty acids and antioxidant polyphenols, it offers deep support for dry, lipid-depleted skin.
It has a rich, buttery texture and a naturally sweet coconut aroma.
At Dry Skin Love, we use organic, extra virgin coconut oil that is cold-pressed, unrefined, Fair Trade, and sustainably sourced. Our Nourishing Coconut 5% Vitamin C Face Oil pairs this beautiful oil with gentle, oil-soluble vitamin C (tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) to create a luxurious, glow-enhancing treatment for dry skin.
References
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Author Information
Dr. Natasha Ryz is the founder of Dry Skin Love Skincare. With over 10 years of experience as a formulator and a strong scientific foundation, Dr. Ryz creates products that combine the best of nature and science for transformative results.
She trained in Organic Skincare Formulation at Formula Botanica and took the Skincare Specialist Program at the School of Natural Skincare, with over 200 hours of specialized education. Dr. Ryz also holds a diploma in Beauty Brand Business Management.
Dr. Ryz’s scientific background includes a PhD in Experimental Medicine from the University of British Columbia, and she has over 15 years of research experience in microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry. This expertise informs every product she formulates, ensuring exceptional quality, efficacy, and luxury.