Brown spots: Is coconut oil effective for lightening the skin?

The pigment spots manifest as areas of skin that are darker than the surrounding tone, resulting from an overproduction or uneven distribution of melanin. This dysregulation of melanogenesis can be triggered by UV exposure, but also by hormonal fluctuations, inflammatory processes (acne, eczema, irritation), scarring, or various environmental factors. Depending on their origin, these spots may be superficial or deeper. Management of hyperpigmentation generally relies on active ingredients able to modulate melanin synthesis, limit its transfer to keratinocytes, or stimulate cellular turnover, in order to gradually reduce their appearance and even out skin tone.

With regard to coconut oil, it is a plant-based oil rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and fatty acids, notably lauric acid. These compounds are recognized for their anti-inflammatory and nourishing properties. Coconut oil helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce transepidermal water loss, and protect the skin from environmental aggressors.

However, there is no scientific evidence that coconut oil can specifically target melanin production or significantly lighten brown spots.

Its moisturizing and soothing properties can enhance the skin’s natural radiance, thus creating the appearance of a more luminous complexion. However, coconut oil alone lacks the specific properties required to address hyperpigmentation.

The available data suggest that coconut oil may have an indirect role in formulations designed to brighten the complexion, without functioning as a standalone depigmenting agent. For example, a 2021 study by Faizatun and colleagues investigated a body scrub combining virgin coconut oil, coffee grounds, and activated charcoal derived from coconut shells. When applied regularly for two months, this formulation enabled a significant increase in skin hydration as well as the luminosity index measured in 30 healthy volunteers.

However, the results do not allow attributing this lightening effect to coconut oil alone. It instead appears to serve as a supporting role within the formula : by reinforcing the barrier function, limiting irritation, and improving skin comfort, it would enhance the tolerance and overall efficacy of other active ingredients—such as coffee grounds or activated charcoal—which can contribute to improving the appearance of the complexion.

Based on current knowledge, there is therefore no evidence that coconut oil, when used alone, can alleviate pigment spots or inhibit melanogenesis.

Note : If you wish to target your brown spots, we recommend brightening agents whose efficacy has been highlighted in various studies, such as vitamin C, the niacinamide or the arbutinic acid.

• VERALLO-ROWELL V. M. & al. A randomized double-blind controlled trial comparing extra virgin coconut oil with mineral oil as a moisturizer for mild to moderate xerosis. Dermatology (2004).

• EVANGELISTA M. T. P. & al. The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial. International Journal of Dermatology (2014).

• AKDIS C. A. & al. Endotypes of allergic diseases and asthma: An important step in building blocks for the future of precision medicine. Current Allergy and Asthma Reports (2016).

• FAIZATUN F. & al. Body scrub containing Virgin Coconut Oil, coffee grounds (Coffea arabica Linn) and carbon active coconut shell (Activated carbon Cocos nucifera L) as a moisturiser and a skin brightener. Scripta Medica (2021).

• GEW L. T. & al. A comprehensive review of plant-based cosmetic oils (virgin coconut oil, olive oil, argan oil, and jojoba oil): Chemical and biological properties and their cosmeceutical applications. ACS Omega (2024).