Top 10 Best Coconut Oils for 2023 – Reviewed & Buyer Guide

If after trying different natural products you are looking for an alternative solution, then the time has come for you to try coconut oil, which not only acts as a perfect ally for body and hair care but can also be used in food preparations. 

Its uses are multiple, and probably one guide is not enough to list them all, but we will try to analyze the most common and valid ones anyway.

Here we had selected the best coconut oils for you that are present below.

Coconut Oils Buyer Guide

Benefits and Uses

Until a few years ago, coconut oil was considered harmful to cardiovascular health due to the high content of saturated fat. Recently, however, some scientific studies have shown that the substance can also bring numerous nutrients to the body, confirming its multiple properties and possible uses for health and beauty.

Regarding its use in the food sector, this is a topic still debated: there are still those who do not recommend it because of the high concentrations of saturated fats.

On the other hand, promote its use because it is rich in lauric acid, which helps to reduce the formation and accumulation of LDL cholesterol in the blood. In any case, coconut oil can be used in the kitchen as a substitute for butter and other fats of animal origin, thus becoming a valid alternative for vegans and for those who are lactose intolerant.

Also, it manages to give the dishes an exotic touch capable of enriching any recipe and is also well spent on frying, since it has a fairly high smoke point and can withstand high temperatures well.

Under all its beneficial properties, it is also widely used in cosmetics for the treatment of cellulite, to bring hydration to the skin and even to provide for the care and well-being of the hair, teeth and nails.

Contraindications

After analyzing the benefits and properties of coconut oil, it is good to spend a few words on any contraindications and potential health risks. Its topical and external application does not present particular side effects as it is well assimilated and tolerated by the epidermis, except for some rare cases of hypersensitivity to the substance.

As regards, however, the use in the food field, experts recommend carefully and sparing consumption because it is still a high-calorie vegetable fat (about 800 calories per 100 grams) and particularly rich in harmful saturated fats for the cardiovascular system.

To limit any possible health risk, it is advisable to prefer oil of biological origin and cold-pressed so that all the beneficial properties are preserved.

The Processing Also determines the Quality

When it comes to choosing coconut oil, regardless of the area of ​​use, it is essential to read the review that other users make of it to find all the information related to the quality, effects and cost of the product.

But, even more, care must be the evaluation of the list of selected ingredients, generally reported on the packaging, in the case of cosmetic and food products, or on the package insert for supplements and slimming treatments.

The manufacturing process mainly determines the quality of the coconut oil it has undergone: the best method is cold extraction through a particular pressing process capable of separating the essence from the pulp.

In this way, all the nutritional properties of the fruit are preserved without exposing it to the harmful action of heat and that of solvents and other potentially harmful substances.

The best oils, then, are those classified as extra virgin, as they are obtained from the purest part of the walnut and processed to split the raw components. As for refined oil, it is received by subjecting the dried pulp to deacidification and bleaching treatments.

In addition to causing a significant loss of its beneficial properties, subject it to the action of solvents and acidity correctors, which makes the final product, for obvious reasons, even cheaper from an economic point of view.

Why Choose an Organic Product

The first thing to evaluate when buying products of this type is the amount of coconut oil contained, and only when present in concentrations equal to 100% will it be possible to have absolute certainty that no other chemical compounds have been added.

To ensure the best quality, one should focus on organic products that can boast absolute compatibility with the ethical principles envisaged in agriculture. This is not only for a matter of morality or respect for animals but above all because in this way there will be a greater guarantee on the absence of harmful substances still used today in the agricultural field.

In the Kitchen

Let’s start, therefore, from its use in the kitchen, remembering that in this case, it is necessary to opt for a product suitable for food use. Pure coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil act as valid substitutes for products of animal origin based on fat or butter.

It can also be consumed safely by vegetarians, vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. It is also suitable for frying, for dressing salads and for preparing desserts and other baked goods that require the use of solid consistency fats.

In Front of The Mirror

Coconut oil, under its moisturizing and soothing properties, is widely used in the cosmetic industry or for making do-it-yourself home remedies.

Those who suffer from dry skin, in particular, will be able to derive numerous benefits from the application of the substance, obtaining a softer and more silky skin. It is sufficient to apply a small amount on the area to be treated, after bathing or showering and accompany the drafting with a massage to facilitate its absorption.

Many claims to use it profitably as a scrub and for cleaning the face but it also proves effective as a natural make-up remover and as a soothing after waxing. It can also be added to the water of the tub for an emollient bath or to facilitate shaving if, instead of waxing, you prefer to use the razor.

Thanks to the high concentration of antioxidants, coconut oil proves useful even against skin ageing, especially when, with advancing age, the first wrinkles and other annoying defects caused by the failure of epithelial tissues.

On the Hair

With coconut oil, you can prepare compresses to give hair shine and vitality, and it is also ideal for eliminating the much-hated split ends. This is due, in particular, to the high content of saturated fats and, mainly, lauric acid which performs a nourishing and repairing action on the hair fibre.

It is, therefore, no coincidence that on the market there are many masks and conditioners based on this marvellous ingredient, and there is also no shortage of lotions that aim to prevent and reduce hair loss by promoting natural hair regrowth.

Other Particular Uses

Did you think it ended here? And instead, there is more! Hard to believe but coconut oil has also proven effective in dental care: many use it to complete oral hygiene and prevent the appearance of plaque and caries, as well as counteracting the formation of bacteria and bad breath.

Seen, then, which contains a high amount of lauric acid with antibacterial and antiviral properties, taken as a supplement it helps, on the one hand, to strengthen the immune system and on the other to lose weight by promoting the reduction of fat mass.

Finally, another use that, respectfully speaking, seems bizarre to us but that has proved very useful in the home is that relating to the cleaning of furniture and silverware. A few drops of pure coconut oil are enough on a sponge or a microfibre cloth to make the surfaces of the house shine and to remove residues of dirt and incrustations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Use Coconut Oil on Hair?

Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, coconut oil can be used not only in the kitchen and for body care, but also in hair care. It is available in different variants: shampoos, conditioners, masks, lotions, each of which corresponds to a different result and effectiveness.

Although the best solution remains pure and unrefined oil, the generic products must be applied following the methods of use indicated on the package. In contrast, the refined coconut oil must be laid directly on the scalp accompanying the application with a massage to facilitate its absorption.

What Is Coconut Oil Used For?

Coconut oil is widely used in the cosmetic and food fields for the numerous benefits it can bring to the body. To benefit most are the teeth, under the ability of the substance to facilitate the absorption of calcium, and the brain.

Because the fatty acids contained can optimize cognitive performance and brain functions. These fatty acids also perform an essential antifungal and bactericidal action, as well as having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

It is, therefore, a very versatile substance capable of ensuring the correct assimilation of fat-soluble vitamins essential for our body, such as vitamins A, D, E and K, thus improving the immune system as well as the health of bones, nails, hair and epidermis.

How to Use Coconut Oil for Weight Loss?

Although coconut oil is made up of 90% saturated fatty acids, several scientific studies have shown that the substance is capable of having numerous positive effects on health and metabolism.

For this reason, the product has become very popular in various diets aimed at reducing fat deposits and losing extra pounds. This is because, unlike other oils, the structure of its fatty acids is made up of about 50% of MCT (medium-chain triglycerides), which are metabolized differently compared to long-chain fatty acids: the body.

It does not store them as reserves, and they are assimilated directly by the liver to be transformed into energy. In addition to being used as edible oil, it can also be ingested in the form of supplements and tablets. Still, you must always pay close attention to the substances contained and possible side effects.

How to Make Coconut Oil?

For those who have never used coconut oil, its multiple ways of applying and taking it could cause some confusion. Pure and unrefined oil can be used as a condiment to make dishes more nutritious and tasty, to enjoy all its nutritional benefits.

It is, in practice, a healthy alternative to the butter of animal origin, placing itself as an excellent replacement choice for vegetarians and vegans. As regards, however, the cosmetic use, the methods of application are similar to those of traditional body care products, although many make the mistake of applying too much on the skin with the consequent risk of creating a too oily or shiny effect.