Evidence supporting the use of: Coconut
For the health condition: Eczema

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Coconut oil, particularly virgin coconut oil, has scientific support for its use in managing eczema (atopic dermatitis). Several studies have investigated its effects due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. A notable randomized controlled trial published in the International Journal of Dermatology (2014) found that topical application of virgin coconut oil was significantly more effective than mineral oil in improving skin hydration and alleviating symptoms in children with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis. The mechanism appears related to the high content of lauric acid, which offers both antimicrobial effects (including against Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin colonizer in eczema) and supports skin barrier function.

Additionally, coconut oil is widely used in traditional medicine systems, such as Ayurveda, to soothe irritated skin. However, the modern scientific evidence, though modest, primarily focuses on its emollient effects and potential to reduce skin colonization by harmful microbes, which may reduce flares. While coconut oil is generally well tolerated, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or contact dermatitis, so caution is advised. Overall, coconut oil is a scientifically supported adjunctive therapy, but not a substitute for standard eczema treatments in moderate to severe cases.

More about Coconut
More about Eczema

Other ingredients used for Eczema

aloe vera
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
bacillus coagulans
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium breve
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
bio ecolian (proprietary)
bisabolol
black cumin
borage oil
burdock
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
coating
coconut milk
colostrum
curcumin
d-alpha tocopherol
evening primrose oil
forsythia
gamma linolenic acid (GLA)
gotu kola
heartwood
hemp oil
Indian tinospora
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus casei
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactoferrin
lauric acid
licorice root
linoleic acid (LA)
luteolin
marine lipid
marshmallow
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
oregano
oregon grape
perilla
phellodendron amurense
plantain
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
sage
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
streptococcus thermophilus
thyme
triphala
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
chickweed
typhonium
xanthium (cockleburs)
papaya
neem tree
nut grass
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
peony
dodder
fern
sweetgums
morinda
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
polyphenols
fulvic acid
menthol oil
aster root
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Ash
Avens
Ardisia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Albizia
Ajuga
Aucubin
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Allantoin
Asteracea
Argan nut oil
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Broussonetia
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Boswellic Acid
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bacteria
Borage
Bifidobacteria
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Coconut
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Colloid
Cocoa Butter
Curcumen
Centipeda
Curcuma
Castile Soap
Costus
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Epidermal Growth Factor
European Elder
Eupolyphaga sinensis
Erodium cicutarium
Emu Oil
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Evening Primrose Oil
Ethyl Linoleate
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Goldthread
Little ironweed
Mallow
Orchid
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Sumac
Zucchini

Products containing Coconut

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.