Refined Coconut Oil vs. Unrefined Coconut Oil

In its simplest terms, coconut oil is the oil that’s extracted from coconuts. Coconut oil is a popular option because it has “good” fat, which helps keep the heart healthy. Here’s a brief description of the two oils: 

Refined coconut oil.  Refined coconut oil is derived from dried coconut meat that has been machine pressed. Before being sold to the public, it is then bleached, which not only removes its flavor and scent, critical vitamins, minerals and nutrients are drastically reduced as well. 

Unrefined coconut oil. Unrefined coconut oil is often called “pure” or “virgin” coconut oil because it is not bleached like refined coconut oil.

Here’s a side by side comparison of the two coconut oils:

Even though they appear quite similar on the surface, there are some distinct differences between the two types of coconut oils.

Refined Coconut Oil

In addition to being derived from dried coconuts, refined coconut oil is treated at high heat and pressed with chemicals. As a result of this process, it has a lower nutrient content. The oil is then bleached and deodorized to make it odorless and flavorless. Refined coconut oil is often used for baking or stir-fry dishes.

Concerns with Refined Coconut Oil

Even though it’s derived from coconuts, there are still some drawbacks to using refined coconut oil. For example, when coconut oil is refined, the levels of medium-chain fatty acids and polyphenols is drastically reduced. This is important because we lose their anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Diets rich in antioxidants can help keep the immune system strong and ward of disease.

Unrefined Coconut Oil (Our Choice)

Unlike refined coconuts, unrefined coconut oil is extracted from fresh coconuts. It doesn’t lose its flavor during the removal process, making it ideal for those who enjoy the taste of this tropical fruit. Another benefit is no chemicals are used to obtain the oil, which allows it to retain higher nutrient levels.

Better for Your Skin

Thanks to its high antioxidant levels, unrefined coconut oil is great for the skin:

• Lip balm. Coconut oil can be used to prevent lips from becoming chapped. Unlike commercial lip balms which contain chemicals that may be toxic, this lip balm has nutrients and can be safely ingested or absorbed into the skin.  

• Moisturizer. Refined coconut oil helps keeps the skin soft and smooth. It can also provide relief from dry skin all over the body, including on the hands and feet.

• Anti-Aging. When applied to the skin, refined coconut oil helps to decrease the number of visible wrinkles and fine lines. This is accomplished by activating the skin’s connective tissues, allowing them to stay supple and strong naturally.  

• Makeup remover. Unrefined coconut oil is a great way to remove makeup safely, minus the controversial man-made chemicals most commercial products use.  

• Improved skin health. Studies are ongoing, but unrefined coconut oil is believed by many to help alleviate various skin issues such as acne, psoriasis, and eczema (this is partly due its vitamin E content).

Higher in Nutrients 

Unrefined coconut oil is an excellent choice for the health conscious individual. It has more nutrients (such as proteins, antioxidants and vitamins) than refined coconut oil in practically every category.

All Natural 

No chemicals are used to create unrefined coconut oil. This is especially important for those who are attempting to eat a clean diet and avoid consuming (or using) artificial, man-made chemicals and ingredients.

The Best Unrefined Coconut Oil

When looking for the best unrefined oil, there are several things we look for: taste, treatment process, nutritional value and overall quality. These are also important for consumers as well. In order to be considered the best, a product must score high in each of these categories.

Skinny Coconut Oil

When it comes to unrefined coconut oil, Skinny Coconut Oil ranks highest on our list. One reason for the high marks is how the coconut oil is extracted: this product never exceeds room temperature, prompting it to undergo an extremely slow and methodical manufacturing process. This is done to ensure the quality remains higher than all the other unrefined coconut oil brands on the market.

Since it never exceeds room temperature, the extraction process takes over three times as long as other unrefined coconut oils. It also requires nearly double the amount of coconuts to create as other brands on the market. The end result of this delicate process is an unrefined coconut oil with a superior taste, smell and overall feel.

Skinny Coconut Oil is specifically designed to help with a variety of health issues and ailments, which include the following: anti-aging, low energy levels, weight loss and gut healing. In addition to being used on the skin externally, it can be consumed, as a great addition to smoothies and other tasty dishes.

Benefits of Coconut Oil

For those who are looking for simple ways to improve their health, coconut oil is a great option to consider. One benefit of using coconut oil is it can be used daily, without taking a person out of their   normal, everyday routines.

Coconut oil has many amazing health benefits, which include the following:

• Increased fat burning
• Increases levels of good HDL cholesterol
• Effective treatment for health of skin and hair
• Boost brain cell functions
• Kills harmful microorganisms
• Helps reduce appetite

Studies on coconut oil show their benefits as well:

One study on coconut oil and obesity found that women who consumed coconut oil had improved cholesterol levels and a reduction in waist size.1

In another study, a diet rich in coconut oil “lowered postprandial t-PA antigen concentration” in women, which is closely associated with myocardial infractions or heart attacks.2

There are countless pills, supplements and medications on the market today that claim to help with each of these health issues. Many of these products have potentially dangerous side effects as well. Another concern is trying to determine of these medications can be taken together, or if one negates the potency of the other.

Instead of taking multiple products, it may be a wise option to opt for natural remedies like coconut oil. They can be used in a variety of ways, such as consumed in food or applied to the skin. By adding coconut oil to our daily routines, we could be one step closer to achieving the good health we desire. Give coconut oil a try, your body will thank you.

1 Assunção ML, Ferreira HS, dos Santos AF, (et al.) Effects Of Dietary Coconut Oil On The Biochemical And Anthropometric Profiles Of Women Presenting Abdominal Obesity. Lipids. 2009 Published Jul; 44(7):593-601. [doi: 10.1007/s11745-009-3306-6.] Epub 2009 May 13.  PMID: 19437058 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19437058

2 Müller H1, Lindman AS, Blomfeldt A, (et al.) A Diet Rich In Coconut Oil Reduces Diurnal Postprandial Variations In Circulating Tissue Plasminogen Activator Antigen And Fasting Lipoprotein (A) Compared With A Diet Rich In Unsaturated Fat In Women. J Nutr. Published 2003 Nov;133(11):3422-7. [PMID: 14608053] DOI: 10.1093/jn/133.11.3422 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14608053