Doctronic
Sign up
Dermatology

Does Coconut Oil Make Acne Worse?

Andre Stone | MD

Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.

Coconut oil may clog pores and worsen breakouts in some people, especially when applied to acne-prone facial skin. Comedogenicity ratings often classify it as likely to clog pores, but these ratings are not standardized and do not reliably predict how every person's skin will respond. Its oily texture may contribute to clogged pores in some people, although individual responses vary. Studies show that comedogenic ingredients like coconut oil are particularly problematic for people with acne-prone or oily skin types. If you're dealing with acne, dermatologists typically recommend avoiding coconut oil on facial skin and opting for non-comedogenic alternatives like jojoba oil or squalane instead.

Still have questions about this?

Ask your AI Doctor

Keep exploring

Related Questions

Does Minocycline Work Better than Doxycycline for Acne? Read the answer Does Nizoral Shampoo Help with Fungal Acne? Read the answer Does Tretinoin Purging Mean It''s Working? Read the answer Does Retinol Help with Acne Scars? Read the answer Does Doxycycline Help with Cystic Acne? Read the answer Can Stress Cause a Rash on Your Body? Read the answer

From the blog

More from Doctronic