The Best Coconut Oils Reviewed and Rated
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Cococare Coconut Oil, 4 OunceCoconut oil has gained a ton of popularity lately, turning from a trending topic into a staple item that tons of people have incorporated into their daily diet, skin care, and dental routines. You have likely heard about coconut oil, but are you aware of its many benefits and uses of it. Did you know that coconut can also be used as sunscreen and a toothbrush?
Coconut oil is a wonderful product that has many benefits, including aiding in burning fat, moisturizing skin and hair, decreasing the appearance of wrinkles, boosting energy, and helping to lower cholesterol. As you can probably gather from this range of benefits, coconut oil can be used both in foods and applied topically to skin and hair. The presence of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), or medium chain fatty acids, is what makes this oil an energy booster. As a moisturizer, you will love coconut oil because it is so moisturizing without being greasy.
Our Top 3 Picks
- Jarrow Virgin
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Our rating - No trans fatty acids
- Price: See Here
- Nutiva, Organic
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Our rating - Non-hydrogenated
- Price: See Here
- Nature's Way
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Our rating - Unrefined, cold-pressed
- Price: See Here
10 Best Coconut Oils
1. Jarrow Formulas
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
This product contains the beneficial medium-chain triglycerides, but does not have any trans fatty acids, and is also non-hydrogenated.
This coconut oil is certified organic, totally vegan, and is a product of the Philippines.
This has all of the great benefits you want in a natural coconut oil product, but is also slightly less expensive than some of the other equally unrefined products on this list, and that is why we listed it as number one. For the best product with the best value, Jarrow Formulas is the way to go.
- Completely 100% unrefined coconut oil
- Expeller-pressed in a controlled environment
- No added solvents
- More expensive than other products
2. Nutiva Organic
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
This is another product that is completely unrefined and cold-pressed.
Totally organic, non-GMO, non-hydrogenated, no hexane (which is a solvent), totally vegan, contains the 62% medium-chain triglycerides, this product has it all! It is also stored in a non-BPA container, which is great for anyone worried about chemicals leaching into their products via the container.
The average serving size of coconut oil is one tablespoon, and that on average will have around 130 calories (as is the case with this product). This is a relatively inexpensive product (although one of the more expensive ones on this list), but for the quality, it is worth it.
- Unrefined and cold-pressed
- Totally organic
- Non-GMO
- Non-hydrogenated
- Somewhat expensive
3. Nature's Way
Price point: Slightly expensive
This product is totally pure and unrefined, cold-pressed, and organic.
This is a great product that can be used in cooking, on your skin, for oil pulling, or anything else! This is also guaranteed to provide 62% medium-chain fatty acids per serving (which is one tablespoon), making it great for an energy boost for those working out or looking to lose weight.
Finally, this product is non-GMO, has no added solvents, is unbleached, and non-hydrogenated. This is one of the most expensive products on this list, but for the quality of the product, it is well worth the money, especially if you will be used it for cooking.
- Multifunctional use
- 100% pure and unrefined
- Cold-pressed and organic
- Fragile container
4. Now Solutions
Price point: Inexpensive
Keep in mind this product is deodorized, but it contains no artificial colors or chemical preservatives.
Because it is deodorized it will not smell at all like coconut, making this a great product for anyone who does not want to smell or taste coconut. For a moisturizing, but scent-less, product, this is the way to go, and it is also very affordable.
- Inexpensive
- It contains no artificial colors
- No chemical or preservatives
- The product is deodorized
5. Cococare
Price point: Inexpensive
A smaller size (and also smaller price) comes with this next product from Cococare. This product is 100% coconut oil and is best suited for use as a moisturizer for your skin and hair.
If you are wary if you will like using this as a moisturizer, give this product a try, and we are sure you will change your mind and end up loving it.
- Inexpensive
- Multifuntional
- Made from 100% coconut oil
- Small container
6. Artisana Organics
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
This product is extracted from fresh, certified organic coconuts and is non-hydrogenated. It is also non-GMO, vegan, and gluten free.
Additionally, it is important to note that coconut oils appear solid when they are at room temperature, or colder, but will liquefy at higher temperatures.
Don’t be worried if you see these variations with your coconut oil, it is completely normal, but it is best to store it in a cool place, but actual refrigeration is not necessary.
- certified organic coconut oil
- Non-hydrogenated
- Non-GMO
- 100% vegan
- Gluten free
- None
7. Healthy Origins
Price point: Inexpensive
While the price may seem elevated, the product size is much bigger and will last you a lot longer.
If you know you use a lot of coconut oil, or if you and other members of your family will be using it, it may be good to purchase a larger container (and you’ll soon find so many uses for it you’ll be glad to have a lot on hand!)
- Organic extra virgin coconut oil product
- Inexpensive
- Multifunctional
- None
8. Source Naturals 100% Organic
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
As explained earlier, this means the product is unrefined and more natural than refined products.
This product is also cold-pressed and is guaranteed to not be hydrogenated, bleached, or deodorized. A good thing to keep in mind is that refined coconut oil products typically lose their coconut taste, where as unrefined or virgin products have that slight coconut flavor.
If you absolutely hate the taste of coconut, a refined product may be better for you, but in terms of health benefits virgin products are the way to go. This coconut oil is also organic and and non-GMO. With a price point similar to the above product, you know you are paying a little more to have something that is certified organic.
- Cold-pressed
- It's not hydrogenated
- Unrefined
- Somewhat expensive
9. Garden of Life
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
This product is also cold-pressed and is guaranteed to not be hydrogenated, bleached, or deodorized. A good thing to keep in mind is that refined coconut oil products typically lose their coconut taste, where as unrefined or virgin products have that slight coconut flavor.
If you absolutely hate the taste of coconut, a refined product may be better for you, but in terms of health benefits virgin products are the way to go. This coconut oil is also organic and and non-GMO. With a price point similar to the above product, you know you are paying a little more to have something that is certified organic.
- Cold-pressed
- It's not hydrogenated
- It's not bleached or deodorized
- Non-GMO
- None
10. Sunfood Raw
Price point: Relatively inexpensive
In addition, this product is totally raw, vegan, non-GMO, and gluten free. For this reason, this oil will be acceptable for people with just about any diet.
While this product is more expensive than some of the other products on this list, if you are looking for a certified organic product, this product provides just that.
- Totally raw,
- 100% vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten free
- Expensive
Benefits
Coconut oil can be used in a variety of different ways, each adding a different benefit to your life. Since coconut oil has become so popular in years recent, many different benefits to its use have been discovered. Here, we’ll go through each category of your lifestyle that can be improved through the use of coconut oil.
Health Benefits
Supplementing coconut oil into your diet raises your body’s HDL cholesterol levels. HDL (or high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol is the good kind of cholesterol that your body needs. HDL is good for the body because it removes all of the LDL, or bad cholesterol, from places in the body that it shouldn’t be. This means that having healthy levels of HDL in the blood reduces the risk of developing a cardiovascular condition, such as heart disease.
Many people don’t know that coconut oil is an excellent anti-microbial. This means that regularly ingesting coconut oil helps fight foreign microbes that may be present in your body. Coconut oil benefits the body’s immune system and helps it fight against sickness and disease.
If you are having digestive problems, coconut oil can also help you. It helps the body absorb and digest vitamins, nutrients, amino acids, and minerals that it might not be able to absorb otherwise. Fatty acids are also better utilized with the addition of coconut oil and are also protected against the damaging effects of oxidation. If you suffer from diarrhea, constipation, or any other digestive system condition, coconut oil would be a great addition to your daily diet.
Do you have a few pounds that you want to get rid of? Coconut oil has fewer calories per serving than any other kind of fat that you can use in your cooking. Aside from this benefit, it also boosts the metabolism and activates it, which gets you one step closer to your ideal weight. The body can use the nutrients found in coconut oil quickly, which allows for its energy to be released instead of being stored in the body’s fat deposits.
If your family has a history of diabetes, or if you are dealing with the condition currently, coconut oil can also help. Insulin secretion is improved with it, and the body’s blood glucose stores are better utilized. Pancreatic stress is decreased with the ingestion of coconut oil, and as was already mentioned, coconut oil is a great metabolism booster- which includes blood glucose.
If this wasn’t enough to convince you of the many health benefits of coconut oil, the oil also promotes healthy thyroid function, acts as a natural antioxidant, and gives the brain the nutrients it needs to function at a higher level. It can help improve your memory skills, as well as your mental clarity.
Beauty Benefits
Yellow teeth can be brightened and whitened with coconut oil. By taking a tablespoon of it and swishing in in-between your teeth for 20 minutes, your teeth can be whitened naturally. As an added bonus, the coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties also kills any bad bugs that may be hiding in your mouth. Don’t replace your toothpaste with it, however. Coconut oil cannot fight against cavities.
Looking to give your hair a little beauty boost? The fatty acids in the coconut oil can be used on your hair to help condition it. Grab a little bit of the oil between your fingers and then put it on your dry, damaged hair all the way from the scalp to the ends. Use a comb and work the coconut oil through your hair. Then grab a towel and use it to wrap up your hair for 20 minutes. When it’s all done, rinse it out and then use a shampoo to get out any residue that may be left. Your hair will feel smoother and will look shinier.
Dandruff can be an embarrassing problem to deal with. Luckily, coconut oil can be used to cure your dandruff problem. By moisturizing your scalp with a little bit of the oil and then rinsing it out, you can moisturize your scalp and help prevent further dandruff flakes.
The oil makes a wonderful, natural makeup remover. Simply take a cotton ball or cotton pad and apply a dab of oil to it. Gently rub the cotton ball or pad against your eye to wipe off any makeup that you have on. Then follow this with a regular face wash regimen and you have an all-natural way to get off your makeup from the day.
Dry, chapped lips can be helped with the use of coconut oil. Put a small amount of it in a tiny jar and keep it with you throughout the day to keep your lips fresh and smooth. You can even jazz it up by adding essential oils and salt scrub to it to make it into a lip exfoliator. Lip balm gets lost so easily, so it’s nice to be able to make your own right at home.
Everyone knows that one of the best ways to prevent premature aging is by applying a moisturizer before going to sleep. Skip the store-bought moisturizer and use coconut oil. Simply wash your face and then apply a small amount of coconut oil to the face before bedtime. Gently rub it in to make sure that it penetrates deep into your skin to keep it looking fresh and dewy.
Regularly buying shaving cream can be an expensive habit. Thankfully, coconut oil can act as both a shaving cream and a shaving lotion. Coconut oil also smells great and leaves your skin feeling smooth and protected. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil also make it great to fight any infection that you may get from shaving.
Makeup Highlighter is a beauty trend that is all over the media right now. This makeup can be expensive and can dry out your skin. Use the oil as a substitute for makeup highlighter. Simply take a small amount and wipe it on the top of each cheekbone. Your friends will wonder where you got your highlighter and you’ll be able to tell them you bought it from the grocery store.
Criteria for Evaluation
Coconut oil has exploded in popularity in recent years. Almost every single health food company has produced a coconut oil product, which means that there are many available on the market for a consumer to choose from. When it comes to selecting the right coconut oil for you, it can be difficult to know which product you should buy. There is only so much you can tell by reading a label, and no product should be selected solely based on its aesthetics anyway. Each coconut oil has a very distinct formulation that makes it good for different uses. Some are better suited for external use and work wonderfully when applied to the hair and skin. However, it may have an unpleasant taste, or not be up-to-par with strict nutritional guidelines. On the opposite side, some may not work well when applied to external parts of the body. But, these may taste great and may supply the body with all of the wonderful health benefits that were listed previously.
This is why we have created this guide to help you in your selection of the ideal coconut oil product. We have noted which products are great for external use, internal use, and those that excel at both. We understand that you need someone to do the testing for you, so we have put together this guide to help aid you in your quest of finding the perfect coconut oil supplement.
Product Testing
Coconut oil products vary in their taste and health benefit effectiveness. We wanted to ensure that we included coconut oil products in this list that had different taste profiles from one another. Some customers may want a coconut oil that tastes exactly like a coconut. Others may want an oil to use in their cooking that tastes nothing like a coconut and doesn’t smell like one either. No matter which tastes and smell profile you are going for, we included a wide arrange of coconut oils on our product review guide that varies in their flavor and scent.
We also understand that consumers vary in their dietary restrictions, which is why we’ve included products in our review guide that are safe for vegans, vegetarians, and those with no dietary guidelines. There are coconut oil products out there for everyone, no matter how strict of a diet is followed. It’s important to think of all different types of people when putting together a review guide such as this one, which is why we’ve included a wide range of coconut oil products.
User Reviews
Looking at customer reviews on websites like Amazon can give you a good idea of the pros and cons of a coconut oil product. The coconut oils that were included on this list were those that consistently received high ratings and were regularly liked by the consumers that had purchased them. Coconut oils that were vegan and cold-pressed would typically receive higher ratings than those that weren’t, which is why there are a number of these types of oils on our coconut oil review guide. Products that were trans-fat free and unrefined also ranked higher up on our list, as these are characteristics of a product that are commonly sought-after, especially for a coconut oil product.
There is also a range of products on our review guide in terms of inexpensive vs. more costly items. Customers who are looking for a cheap coconut oil that is going to get them the most bang for their buck can find a coconut oil for them on this list, and consumers who have a little more money and want a coconut oil of a higher caliber can also find what they’re looking for. It’s important to offer options for people of all price points, as we all should be able to find the right coconut oil supplement for us, regardless of our income.
Side Effects
Coconut oil is commonly used as a cure for constipation. This being said, ingesting too much of this oil can cause diarrhea and diarrhea-like symptoms. This is why it is important to keep your coconut oil use at a healthy level. We went with products for our review guide that did not cause digestive problems when ingested in normal amounts. Some of the cheaper coconut oils on the market that was not included in this review guide are more likely to cause diarrhea problems in those that ingest them. This is why it’s so important to read a guide that you can trust and pick a health supplement off of that guide- to avoid situations that are painful and bad for your health.
Another side effect to be on the look-out for when ingesting and using coconut oil is an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling, rashes, itching, breakouts, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects upon using coconut oil, stop using it or ingesting it immediately and visit your doctor. You and your doctor can then have the discussion of whether or not you should continue to use coconut oil in your daily regimen. The coconut oil supplements we put in our guide did not cause allergic reactions in any of the consumers of the product, however, everybody is different and can react differently to a product. Therefore, use coconut oil in small amounts at first, and monitor your body’s reaction.
Brand’s Reputation
When a manufacturer takes the time to create a coconut oil supplement that is of a high quality, it shows. Companies that created their coconut oil product in a controlled environment with a solvent-free expeller method were ranked high up on our list. Solvents can add harmful chemicals and unnecessary additives to a coconut oil, so those products without solvents were considered superior. Organic coconut oils that were non-GMO certified were also put higher up on our review guide. When a company manufactures a product that is certified organic, this means that they make their product with their consumers’ health in mind.
Safety of the Supplement
When taken in moderate amounts, coconut oil is safe to consume. However, ingesting excessive amounts of anything, coconut oil included, is not good for your health. People supplementing coconut oil into their diet should do so at a healthy level. The coconut oil products that we’ve included in this guide have all been inspected for their safety, and are all adequate to include in a daily diet.
Ingredients and their Effectiveness
Consumers want a coconut oil product that is exactly that, 100% coconut oil. The majority of the products we’ve included in our guide do not have any additives, or solvents, and are solely made up of coconut oil. This way, the consumer is getting the maximum amount of health benefits they possibly can, without any unwanted side-effects. When purchasing a coconut oil product, follow our guide to buy one that has coconut oil listed as its only ingredient.
Coconut Oil Uses
As for specific coconut oil uses, first off, it can be used as a cooking alternative to other forms of oils. Because coconut oil has a higher smoke point, you can use it for cooking or even frying without fear of smoking up your entire kitchen. Additionally, you can easily substitute coconut in place of recipes that use butter or vegetable oil- your recipes will still be just as delicious but are now much healthier!
In terms of its moisturizing properties and as highlighted in our Benefits section, it is great to use both on the skin and in hair. Apply as a facial moisturizer, or on your body to receive ultimate hydration. You can also use it as a lip balm if you suffer from dry lips, especially during the drier winter months. If you suffer from dry hair, coconut oil can also be used as a conditioner, or to help with a dry scalp/dandruff.
A lesser known use for coconut oil is as a natural tooth cleaning agent. This practice is called oil pulling, and it not only cleans your teeth but also cleans your gums, kills bad breath, helps cure tooth decay, and helps to boost the immune system. All you do is take one tablespoon of coconut oil and swish in your mouth for around ten minutes. That’s it!
There are countless other uses for the coconut’s oil, including around the house as a cleaning product. With so many uses, this is such a great product that is sure to not go to waste. However, since people have recognized how great this product is, there has been a huge increase in coconut oil products on the market. How do you know which is the best brand? It can be overwhelming these days to make a decision, which is why we put together this list of the ten best coconut oil products.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Coconut Oil Products
In order to have a quality product, you are going to want to pick an oil that is listed as being either ‘unrefined’ ‘virgin’ or ‘extra virgin’ (and hint: when it comes to coconut oil, virgin and extra virgin products are exactly the same!) These products have gone through less processing and therefore will be more natural and healthier for you.
While coconut oil has to be processed and ‘manufactured’ in some way (as what occurs naturally in nature is a coconut, not coconut oil) if the oil is processed in a certain way it will retain all the benefits that a coconut provides. When looking at the processing methods, typically you will see either expeller-pressed or cold-pressed. Cold-pressed is typically a better option, as it controls the temperature environment during the process, but both methods are acceptable.
FAQs
Q) Is it important to buy coconut oil in a BPA-free container?
Many customers insist on buying coconut oil, and all other health supplements, in a container that is glass, or plastic that is BPA-free. Many BPA-containing plastics can leach their chemicals into their product, so it is important to buy a coconut oil that is either kept in a glass container, or a plastic container that is BPA-free.
Q) What does “unrefined” mean?
When a company states that their coconut oil product is “unrefined” they mean that it has not been processed to get rid of any extra elements that are unwanted. This means that the coconut oil that is being given to you is completely 100% coconut oil that has not been tampered with.
Q) Is coconut oil a solid, or a liquid?
Both! Depending on the temperature that it is being stored at, coconut oil is both a solid and a liquid. To keep it in its solid state, keep it in a room that is not too hot. If you need coconut oil in a liquid form, then it can be heated up, or kept in a room that is moderately warm.
Q) Will the use coconut oil in my cooking give my food a coconut flavor?
Depending on which coconut oil product you select, using it in your cooking may, or may not, add a coconut flavor to your food. Some coconut oils do not have a coconut flavor, and therefore will act as any regular oil would when you are preparing your food. However, other oils may have a strong coconut flavor and scent, and would definitely alter the taste of the food you’re preparing for it.
Q) How much coconut oil is a safe amount to consume in a day?
2 tablespoons a day is a safe amount of coconut oil to consume. It is best to start at a small amount- such as a teaspoon, to see how your body reacts to it. Then, you can gradually increase your dose to 2 tablespoons a day.
Q) Who can benefit from coconut oil?
Those who have high HDL cholesterol levels, those with diabetes, and those looking to lose weight can all find benefit from using coconut oil. Also, people who have dry skin, or dry, frizzy hair can also use coconut oil to help them with their esthetic issues.
Q) Can ingesting too much coconut oil cause side effects?
Yes, ingesting too much coconut oil on a daily basis can potentially cause some unwanted side effects. Diarrhea can occur when someone has ingested too much coconut oil, so it is best to consume an amount that is around 2 tablespoons a day.
Q) Does it needs to be refrigerated?
No, coconut oil should be stored in a cool, dry place, but it should not be refrigerated.
Q) Can I it on my face and hair?
Yes, coconut oil works as a great moisturizer and can be used externally both on the skin and in hair.
Q) Can it be used in both baking and cooking?
Yes, coconut oil is a wonderful, healthy replacement to butter and can be used in both cooking and baking.
Decision Time
That’s it! The ten best coconut oil products you can buy. Any of the products on this list will be a great purchase, but based on your budget or your specific needs, you can decide which on the list is best for you. If you are going to use this product for cooking, it is best to stick with the products that are totally unrefined, certified organic, contain no added solvents, and have no trans fatty acids.
You can be a little more lenient if you think you will just use this product as a skin or hair moisturizer. In fact, we suggest the Cococare or Now Foods products if you are just looking for a good moisturizer. And, if you are looking for a product free of coconut scent or flavor, the Now Foods product is the one on this list that is deodorized. For the best product with the most versatile of uses (as in being most suitable for use in cooking and other areas) we suggest one of our top three products from this list (Nature’s Way, Nutiva, or Jarrow Formulas).
