TABLE 2.
In‐vivo studies with topical coconut oil application for improvement in skin barrier
| Study | Aim | Study design | Patients, n | Dose | Findings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Escuadro‐Chin et al (2019)21 | Determine the efficacy and safety of virgin coconut oil compared to mineral oil for the treatment of senile xerosis | Assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial | 148 participants (59males,89females) | Participants were instructed to apply the test oil twice daily to the legs for 2 weeks |
43% in the VCO group had no visible signs of leg xerosis versus 22.4% in the mineral oil group. 74% in VCO group have >1 point decrease in Overall Dry Skin Score (ODSS) versus 34% in the mineral oil group VCO showed significantly greater skin hydration, skin lipid content and quality of life score VCO group showed 32.1% (26/81) treatment success compared to 8.9% (6/67) in the mineral oil group |
| Nangia et al (2008)22 | Assess efficacy of topical virgin coconut oil in reduction of TEWL in very‐low‐birthweight neonates | Randomized trial | 74 preterm very‐low birth weight neonates | 7‐d treatment: application of 4 ml of coconut oil to whole body twice daily; control, no treatment |
Significantly lower TEWL in coconut oil group than controls Topical VCNO use in increases plasma levels of monolaurin and decreases incidence of late‐onset sepsis (blood infection) |
| Evangelista et al (2014)23 | Compare effect of topical virgin coconut oil with that of mineral oil in patients with atopic dermatitis | Assessor‐blinded, randomized controlled trial | 117 children (aged 1–13 years) | 8‐week treatment: application of 5 ml of coconut or mineral oil to all body surfaces twice daily |
Significantly lower SCORAD index in coconut oil than mineral oil group. Greater decrease in TEWL and increase in skin capacitance in coconut oil than mineral oil group |
| Verallo‐Rowell et al (2008)24 | Compare effects of topical virgin coconut oil with those of topical virgin olive oil on Staphylococcus aureus colonization and atopic dermatitis parameters | Randomized controlled trial | 52 adults | 4‐week treatment: application of 5 ml coconut or olive oil to affected areas twice daily | Significantly lower Staphylococcus aureus colonization and SCORAD index in VCO than olive oil group |