Here’s a list of unexpected but highly effective uses for coconut oil:

• As body lotion

Rub coconut oil on your hands to warm it up and then use it in lieu of body lotion. Don’t forget to focus on areas that get especially dry like elbows and knees. Some people even say that using coconut oil as a moisturizer helps to diminish the appearance of stretch marks!

• As highlighter

Sweep a tiny amount of coconut oil on top of your normal face makeup wherever you want to highlight and leave it alone. Coconut oil is great for creating a natural looking glow.

• As a deep conditioner

According to research, coconut oil more effectively penetrates hair and prevents protein loss than mineral and sunflower oil; hence many conditioners contain coconut oil. Take a quarter-size amount of oil and spread it all over your hair. Use a comb to evenly distribute it throughout. Once applied, put your hair up in a bun. Place a towel over your pillow before going to sleep. In the morning, use your regular shampoo to wash it all out and you’ll be left with silky and healthy hair!

• As makeup remover

Even the most resistant waterproof mascara doesn’t stand a chance against coconut oil. Place a pea sized amount of coconut oil on a cotton pad. Close your eyes and gently spread the oil over your eyes and face. Before you know it, all of your makeup will melt off!

• As shaving cream

Get a close, smooth shave by using coconut oil instead of shaving creams or gels. Coconut oil will help prevent ingrown hairs and razor burn plus add moisture. Just rub melted oil onto skin, shave, and then pat dry.

• As a facial moisturizer

Keep your skin repairing and hydrating itself while you asleep by incorporating coconut oil into your nightly routine. After washing your face with warm water, take a pea size amount of oil and gently rub it all over your face. If you have oily skin, add a few drops of coconut oil to your normal moisturizer instead. It may feel somewhat greasy at first, but before long it will soak into your skin and you’ll wake up with fresh and hydrated skin.

• To tame your hair and add shine

Take a single-finger scoop of oil and massage it into your hands before running along the ends of your hair. This will help to tame your flyaways as well as to add a little shine. Make sure not to use too much or else your hair might appear greasy.

• As a natural teeth whitener

Oil pulling is an old remedy that uses oil to clean and detoxify teeth and gums. It has the added effect of whitening teeth naturally and evidence even shows that it is beneficial in improving gum health and removing harmful bacteria. Put 1-2 teaspoons of coconut oil into your mouth (you can add some essential oil to make it taste better if you’d like) and then swish for 20 minutes. Spit out the oil and then rinse well with warm water.