Does Coconut Oil Work as Sunscreen? Truth Revealed

Lately, there’s been a lot of buzz about using coconut oil as sunscreen. From natural skincare blogs to viral TikTok videos, many people are turning to this tropical oil in hopes of finding a cleaner, more natural way to protect their skin from the sun.

But while coconut oil has plenty of great uses—like moisturizing dry skin or nourishing hair—does it actually work as a sunscreen? And more importantly, is it safe to rely on it instead of regular SPF products? In this article, we’ll break down the facts, clear up the myths, and help you understand what coconut oil can (and can’t) do when it comes to sun protection.

Understanding Sunscreen and SPF

What is SPF (Sun Protection Factor)?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of how well a sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UV rays, specifically UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection it provides. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%.

 It’s important to note that no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, but the higher the SPF, the more effective it is at reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily wear, and reapply every two hours when outdoors for extended periods.

UV Protection: UVA vs. UVB

When it comes to UV protection, it’s essential to understand the difference between UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, affecting the outer layers of the skin.

 On the other hand, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are primarily responsible for skin aging and contributing to skin cancer. A good sunscreen should protect against both types of rays, which is why broad-spectrum protection is so important. Sunscreen with the right SPF can help prevent both UVB-induced sunburn and UVA-related skin aging.

The Myth of Coconut Oil as Sunscreen

Why Coconut Oil Is Not a Suitable Sunscreen

Many people turn to coconut oil as a natural, chemical-free alternative to sunscreen, but it’s important to debunk this myth. While coconut oil has a variety of skin benefits—such as moisturizing and soothing—it offers very minimal UV protection.

Studies show that coconut oil has an SPF range of 1 to 7, which is far below the recommended SPF 30 for proper sun protection. This means coconut oil can only block a small fraction of UV rays, leaving your skin vulnerable to sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Debunking Coconut Oil SPF Claims

Some people claim that coconut oil has an SPF of 7, suggesting it can offer adequate protection. However, this claim is misleading. Research shows that while coconut oil does absorb some UV rays, it does not provide consistent or sufficient protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

The SPF value for coconut oil is inconsistent across different studies and can vary based on the source of the oil. More importantly, it doesn’t meet the necessary standards to protect the skin from serious sun damage. So, relying on coconut oil as your primary form of sun protection is not a safe option.

What Studies Say About Natural Oils and Their UV Protection

Coconut Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, and Other Oils

• Coconut oil offers minimal protection, with an SPF of 1-7 at best.
• Raspberry seed oil, despite claims of high SPF (28-50), shows inconsistent protection in various studies.
• Carrot seed oil also provides limited UV protection and does not meet the standards of proper sunscreens.
• These oils have low UV absorbance capabilities, which makes them ineffective compared to tested sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
• Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical barrier on the skin, providing much more reliable protection against both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays.

Why DIY Sunscreen Isn’t Safe

We totally get the appeal of whipping up your own skincare products. It feels natural, customizable, and often cheaper. But when it comes to DIY sunscreen, the risks far outweigh the benefits—and most experts strongly recommend against it.

One reason? Many homemade recipes floating around online use zinc oxide or other mineral ingredients, which can be effective when professionally formulated. But simply mixing zinc oxide into your coconut oil or lotion at home isn’t enough. Sunscreen formulas require precise science to actually work.

There are several things that can go wrong when you try to create sunscreen on your own:

• pH balance: If the pH is off, the sunscreen can irritate your skin—or stop working entirely.

• Active and inactive ingredient interaction: Sunscreens contain both types, and they need to work together properly. Get the ratios wrong, and you’re left with ineffective protection.

• Even coverage: Professionally made sunscreens are tested to ensure they spread evenly and stay stable on the skin. Homemade mixes often don’t coat the skin properly, leaving spots vulnerable to sunburn.

• Stability: Sunscreen needs to maintain its protective power over time, especially under sun and heat. DIY products may separate, spoil, or break down without you even realizing it.

On top of all that, DIY sunscreens don’t meet FDA standards. In the U.S., sunscreen is considered an over-the-counter drug, which means it must go through rigorous testing to ensure it’s both safe and effective. Homemade products skip all of that—which means you could be putting your skin at risk, even if your intentions are good.

So while it’s great to take a natural approach to skincare, sun protection is one area where professional formulas are a must.

What Coconut Oil Can Do for Your Skin

Coconut oil may not be a sunscreen, but it still deserves a place in your skincare routine. Let’s take a look at how it can help your skin in other ways.

A Natural Moisturizer with Antioxidants

Coconut oil is packed with nourishing fatty acids and antioxidants. This makes it a great natural option for locking in moisture and keeping your skin soft and smooth.

Many people love using it to treat dry patches, especially on areas like elbows, knees, and feet.

Soothes Skin After Sun Exposure

Been in the sun a little too long? Coconut oil can help calm and hydrate sun-exposed skin. Its natural anti-inflammatory properties can reduce that tight, dry feeling you sometimes get after a day outdoors.

Just keep in mind—this is after-sun care, not sun protection.

Complements Sunscreen, But Doesn’t Replace It

Here’s the key takeaway: coconut oil should be used alongside your sunscreen, not instead of it.

It can help support your skin’s health, but it doesn’t block UVA or UVB rays effectively. So feel free to enjoy its benefits—just don’t rely on it for sun safety.

What to Use Instead: Safer Natural Alternatives

If you’re looking for a more natural way to protect your skin from the sun, don’t worry—there are safe and effective options out there that don’t involve DIY oils.

Try Mineral-Based Sunscreens

Instead of reaching for coconut oil, go for mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are naturally derived and sit on top of the skin to physically block UV rays—which is why they’re also called physical sunscreens.

They’re a great choice if you’re trying to avoid synthetic chemicals while still getting real protection.

Look for Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 or Higher

No matter what sunscreen you choose, make sure it’s labeled broad-spectrum. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays—which is essential.

Also, aim for at least SPF 30, which filters out about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs like SPF 50 offer even more protection, especially for fair or sensitive skin.

Bonus: PA++++ Means Strong UVA Protection

If you’ve ever seen “PA+++” or “PA++++” on sunscreen labels (especially in Asian brands), that rating shows how well the product protects against UVA rays.

The more plus signs, the better the protection. PA++++ offers the highest level, helping to defend your skin from aging and long-term sun damage.

Choose Gentle, Eco-Friendly Formulas

Lastly, consider formulas that are:

• Fragrance-free (great for sensitive skin)

• Reef-safe (no oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs)

• Non-nano (meaning the particles are too large to be absorbed into your bloodstream)

These options are not only safer for your skin but also better for the environment.

Conclusion

To sum it up—coconut oil is not a reliable sunscreen. It may help moisturize and soothe your skin, but it doesn’t provide the protection needed against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies and skincare experts all agree: it just doesn’t meet the standards of a safe, effective sunblock.

At Zicail, we believe in skincare that’s both natural and backed by science. If you’re looking for safe, effective sun protection or want guidance on building a skin-friendly routine, we’re here to help. Reach out to our team for expert product recommendations and personalized support. Your skin deserves better than DIY guesses—let’s protect it the right way, together.