Please enable JavaScript
Radiance Serum L32: new formula — 15% vitamin C duo + 1% vitamin E
Your skin evolves; your routine should, too. Take your diagnostic.
Complimentary gift with every purchase over $100
Radiance Serum L32: new formula — 15% vitamin C duo + 1% vitamin E
Radiance Serum - New more concentrated formula: 15% vitamin C duo, 1% vitamin E, enhanced antioxidant action

Radiance Serum - New more concentrated formula: 15% vitamin C duo, 1% vitamin E, enhanced antioxidant action

Logo
Library
L'huile de coco comme protection solaire.

Does coconut oil offer sun protection?

Coconut oil ranks among the most sought-after natural ingredients in cosmetics, acclaimed for its nourishing properties. Some even regard it as a potential natural substitute for conventional sunscreen. But can this indispensable plant oil really shield your skin from UV radiation, or is this just a myth? Find out here.

Summary
Published on February 9, 2026, updated on February 9, 2026, by Andjela, Chemical Engineer — 5 min of reading
Themes:
Sun protection
Vegetable Coconut Oil

Can coconut oil act as a natural sunscreen?

The coconut oil is traditionally valued for its nourishing and antioxidant properties, due to its richness in fatty acids and antioxidant compounds. Owing to this lipid composition, some suggest that it might also exert a protective effect against ultraviolet radiation, which would grant it a natural sun protection factor (SPF). Some experimental studies have indeed estimated the SPF of coconut oil to be between about 1 and 7, indicating a limited ability to filter a portion of UVB rays.

4 minutes to understand your skin. Our dermatological diagnostic guides you toward the ideal skincare for your specific needs. Simple, quick, personalized.

7,119

SPF of coconut oil determined in vitro by CHAUHAN & al.

1.2

SPF of coconut oil determined in vivo by MARTINIAKOVA & al.

0.004

SPF of coconut oil determined in vitro by MARTINIAKOVA & al.

Nevertheless, this level of protection remains well below the minimum SPF 30 generally recommended to effectively prevent sun-induced skin damage, particularly burns, photoaging and the increased risk of cancers.

To clarify the actual nature of this protection, a 2017 study conducted by WIDIYATI examined the UV-filtering activity of a cream formulated from coconut oil. Spectrophotometric analysis showed that this formulation absorbed primarily radiation in the UVC range (200–280 nm). However, these wavelengths are almost entirely filtered by the Earth’s atmosphere and do not significantly contribute to the biological effects associated with everyday sun exposure.

In contrast, the cream containing coconut oil exhibited negligible absorption in the UVB (280–315 nm) and UVA (315–400 nm) ranges, which are precisely responsible for sunburn, photoaging, and carcinogenic risk. For comparison, formulations incorporating sunscreen filters recognized, such as titanium dioxide or benzophenone-3, showed absorption spanning UVC to UVA and UVB to UVA, respectively. These results indicate that coconut oil alone cannot be regarded as an effective sunscreen filter.

Using only coconut oil for sun protection exposes the skin to a genuine risk of damage, as it can create a false sense of security.

On the other hand, thanks to its emollient properties and its richness in re-lipidating lipids, coconut oil may be of interest in after-sun care, where it helps nourish and soften skin weakened by sun exposure. However, it cannot replace sun protection.

Sources

Diagnostic

Understand your skin
and its complex needs.
Begin diagnostic test

Read more

Effet de l'huile de coco sur le vitiligo.

Could coconut oil help combat vitiligo’s white patches?

5 min of reading

Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease that causes the destruction of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It manifests as white patches of varying size and number. Coconut oil, known for its emollient properties, has been proposed as a treatment for various skin conditions, including vitiligo. But is there any scientific basis to support its effectiveness in cases of pigment loss? Find out here.

Effet de l'huile de nigelle sur l'arthrose.

Nigella sativa oil and osteoarthritis: what effect can one expect?

8 min of reading

Joint pain, loss of mobility, functional impairment… osteoarthritis significantly impacts quality of life. In light of the limitations of current treatments, certain natural remedies are drawing attention, including Nigella sativa (black seed) oil. To what extent can it relieve arthritic pain? Find out here.

Effet de l'huile de coco sur les verrues.

Coconut oil for treating warts?

6 min of reading

Warts, caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), are common growths that can develop on various parts of the body. They are usually benign but can be unsightly and uncomfortable, especially when they appear on weight-bearing areas like the soles of the feet. Many home remedies are used against warts, including coconut oil. But does this plant-based oil really help treat warts? Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Soins cosmétiques avec de l'huile de nigelle.

Cosmetics: Nigella sativa–based skincare treatments.

9 min of reading

Also known as Egyptian black cumin, Nigella sativa is an aromatic plant bearing black seeds similar to poppy seeds, from which an oil can be extracted. This oil is prized in cosmetics and is incorporated into the formulation of numerous skincare treatments. Which ones? We offer an overview of cosmetic products based on Nigella.