Have you taken a look at your coconut oil options recently? There are so many brands and types that it can make your head hurt to even think about it. This is why we decided to create this guide. We cut through all of the noise and show you the best kind of coconut oil for all of your needs. So, let’s get started!
Best Organic Coconut Oil
Best Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
As mentioned, you are going to have your work cut out for you when choosing between all the different kinds of coconut oil. This job becomes a lot easier, however, if you know what to look for. So, in the section below, we outline exactly what elements you should keep an eye out for in the healthiest coconut oil.
Coconut oil has been trending for quite some time. This means that companies are often trying to one-up each other by coming up with an “improved” version of coconut oil.
Now, as you can imagine, much of this is marketing. Thus, you have to cut through all the fluff and jargon if you actually want to find the best natural coconut oil.
On this note, here are the top terms that you should be aware of when shopping around for coconut oil:
As the name suggests, refined coconut oil is processed rather extensively. This is done to remove any impurities present in the oil. Unfortunately, this refining process also gets rid of some of the nutrients present in the coconut oil. Due to this, the refined version is often not as healthy as virgin coconut oil.
Virgin coconut oil is the unrefined version and as a result, boasts a higher number of nutrients. Naturally, this oil is more expensive than its refined counterpart. Now, virgin coconut oil can be separated into two categories – expeller-pressed and cold-pressed. The expeller-pressed process utilizes steam or heat to extract the oil. Cold-pressed oil, on the other hand, simply relies on pressure. As such, it tends to retain more nutrients. Cold-pressed oil is sometimes referred to as raw coconut oil as well. So, what about extra-virgin coconut oil? Is it even healthier than virgin coconut oil?
Well, you will be interested to learn that there is no real distinction between virgin and extra-virgin coconut oil. In many instances, companies simply use this tag their oil as being superior. However, there is no real way to determine if this is the case.
Partially Hydrogenated You should definitely stay away from partially hydrogenated coconut oil! This is the process where the saturated fats in the coconut oil are fully or partially hydrogenated. This is often done to extend the shelf-life of the oil. Unfortunately, this process also creates trans fats which are very bad for your health.
It can often seem like you can use coconut oil for just about anything. Nonetheless, the most common uses are for cooking, skincare, and hair care.
Depending on how you want to use coconut oil, you may be wondering if you need to select a corresponding product.
Now, technically, you can use food-grade coconut oil for your food, skin, and hair. For the best results, though, you may want to use dedicated coconut oil.
This is especially true in the case of skincare.
See, when it comes to applying coconut oil on your skin, you may just discover that fractionated coconut oil is best.
Fractionated coconut oil doesn’t contain long-chain fatty acids. Thus, unlike other forms of coconut oil, it is able to penetrate the top layer of the skin.
This leads to improved hydration and fewer clogged pores. Therefore, it would make sense to use this type of coconut oil on your skin rather than the stuff that you keep in your pantry.
In many instances, coconut oils made for skin or hair have also either been tested for ingredients that can cause irritation or allergies.
So, if you have sensitive skin, specific types may be safer for you to use.
Last but not least, skin and hair-specific coconut oils may also be fortified with certain nutrients. As such, they will offer up far better results.
These days, people are becoming more and more careful about what they are putting in and on their bodies.
Thus, it is only natural to wonder if you should go organic when it comes to coconut oil. Well, this decision is largely up to you.
See, most experts agree that coconut oil doesn’t show significant pesticide levels. As such, the manner in which the coconuts are grown shouldn’t matter all that much.
However, if you would like to err on the side of caution, it is best to stick with organic versions when buying coconut oil for cooking.
This is especially true if you are opting for a refined version of coconut oil. You can then ensure that no additional chemicals such as hexane are used during the refining process.
When it comes to coconut oil for your skin and hair, you do have a little more wiggle room. Nevertheless, you will discover that most brands today will boast an organic label.
If you don’t feel like shelling out for the added cost, though, you shouldn’t worry about it. It is unlikely that the organic version will offer too many additional benefits.
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The Lowdown on Coconut Oil Benefits for Skin
We went looking for the best coconut oils for food, skincare, and hair care. Thus, we have divided our reviews accordingly.
However, if you are looking for an all-in-one product that can be used for all of these purposes, then there is something for you as well.
Best Organic Coconut Oil
There are a number of elements that stand out with Viva Naturals coconut oil.
The high level of quality, as well as nutrient-rich formula, means that it will serve you well, regardless of what you need it for.
Best Coconut Oil for Cooking
Here are the oils that will serve you best when cooking.
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Your Guide to the Best Coconut Oil for Cooking
Best Cold Pressed Coconut Oil
Nature’s Way coconut oil is quite a versatile ingredient. As such, it can be used in a variety of different ways in the kitchen.
What really stands out about this cooking oil, though, is its top-notch quality and superiority. It can certainly be considered in the running for the best raw coconut oil.
If you are someone that uses coconut oil for most of their recipes, then Nutiva will offer you excellent value.
At the same time, the company is committed to quality and safety ensuring that you can enjoy this oil on a regular basis without any worries at all.
In fact, we would go so far as to say that it is one of the best virgin coconut oils on the market.
The Carrington Farms coconut oil is excellent as a no-fuss cooking oil. We would argue that it is one of the easiest options to cook with.
We especially enjoy the fact that the oil can be added to food subtly and not take away from the natural flavors of any dish.
Best Coconut Oil for Skin
These are the coconut oils that work best for keeping skin smooth, soft, and supple.
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Uncovering the Best Coconut Oil for Face
Want a coconut oil for your skin that doesn’t make you feel like you are bathing in cooking oil? Then, this is certainly it.
Although this coconut oil is nearly identical to the food-grade versions, it acts just like any other lotion, making it easy to apply onto your body.
This is a great coconut oil for anyone who wants to keep their skin moisturized, but doesn’t want anything too heavy.
We also appreciate that this oil is quite nutrient-dense, ensuring that its beneficial results can be absorbed that much sooner.
This Molivera coconut oil is a great choice for anyone looking for quick results. Whether you want healthier or more moisturized skin, this oil should do the trick.
It is also quite versatile and can be used by itself or in combination with other oils. So, it can be used as a carrier oil, massage oil, and more.
Best Coconut Oil for Hair
Now, let’s take a look at the coconut oil that will provide the maximum number of benefits to your hair.
Regardless of your hair type, this coconut oil should certainly do the trick. It is chock-full of healthful ingredients and will help to sort out a variety of issues.
The coconut oil is pure and natural, further ensuring that it will be safe and beneficial to your locks.
Made specifically for cosmetic purposes, this coconut oil is great if you are looking for a product to help whip your hair into shape.
Completely natural and containing moisturizing ingredients, this coconut oil works wonders on all different types of hair.
This is an easy-to-use oil that allows you to apply the product directly into your strands without any issue at all.
One of our favorite aspects was that this oil is specially formulated for your scalp and hair and thus, works a lot more effectively.
As you can see, there is quite a bit about coconut oil that you need to know before you can go ahead and purchase your own. To start with, you first need to narrow down which type you actually want!
There’s no need to stress, as this guide contains all of the information that you need. So, whether you are looking for some advice or want to be pointed in the right direction, we have you covered.
