9 Things You Can Replace With Coconut Oil

Free up some shelf space in your apartment by discovering 9 common items that can be easily replaced with coconut oil. You know it has 100+ health benefits, but coconut oil is useful for a lot more than an added boost in your morning smoothie. Start scrolling, because why make 9 purchases when you only need to make 1?

1. Hair Conditioner

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Reverse your routine: conditioner, then shampoo. Apply coconut oil just as you would conditioner in the shower, wait 5 minutes, then rinse out the oil with shampoo. Split ends? Comb coconut oil through the ends of your hair post shower to prevent breakage.

2. Teeth Whitening Strips

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Use coconut oil just like you would toothpaste 3 times a week for a whiter smile. Want your teeth to glow? Mix coconut oil with a teaspoon of baking soda for a flawless look.

3. Non-Stick Cooking Spray

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Add just a teaspoon or two of coconut oil to the pan, and melt before beginning to cook. Coconut oil is made up of healthy saturated fats making it great for cooking at high heat. Recipe calls for butter? Ditch it, and add more coconut oil in the pan for a healthier alternative.

4. Cough Drops

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Mix coconut oil with honey in a bowl until whipped. Pour contents into an ice tray and freeze for 20 minutes. The frozen coconut oil drops will soothes throat pain, irritation and acts as an antibacterial.

5. Milk For Your Coffee

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Cut back on your morning calorie intake by substituting milk or cream in your coffee with a spoonful of coconut oil. Not only will it add some extra flavor as a natural sweetener, but it will help balance your blood sugar and increase your energy!

6. Insect Repellent

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Say goodbye to the stench of bug spray and hello to smelling like the tropics! Mix coconut oil with peppermint and cinnamon for a natural, non-toxic insect repellent.

7. Makeup Remover

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Rub a small amount of coconut oil onto your eyelids in a circular motion and wipe off gently with a cloth. Coconut oil will not irritate your eyes and, unlike most drying makeup removers, it will lock in moisture to help hydrate the thin layer of skin around your eyes. Bonus: leave on overnight to help fight premature aging.

8. Shoe Shiner

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Don’t break the bank on a fancy shoe shining kit when you can have a jar of coconut oil on your doorstep tomorrow morning for $5 with Amazon Prime. Give your leather shoes a shine to hide scuff marks for a fresh look by rubbing them with some coconut oil.

9. Neosporin

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Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer as well as antibacterial that can be used as a healing ointment and applied just as you would neosporin. Bonus: coconut oil can also be used daily as a lip balm and body lotion.