Coconut Oil vs. Coconut Butter: What’s the Difference?

Coconut oil is produced by cold-pressing or extracting the oil directly from the flesh of the coconut. It has a mildly sweet flavor and is widely used as a cooking oil.

Coconut oil contains nutrients such as fatty acids, calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamins E and K. Many of the saturated fats are medium-chain triglycerides that are considered good for you. 

Coconut oil is well known for its potential health benefits, including boosting the immune system, improving digestion, promoting skin health, strengthening hair, and protecting heart health.

One tablespoon of coconut oil contains about 120 calories.

Coconut butter is made by blending the flesh of the coconut and oil together to create thick, creamy consistency. 

It has a stronger coconut flavor than coconut oil and has a much more diverse nutrient profile because it contains all the nutrients found in the meat of the coconut. This means that coconut butter contains more fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, and protein than coconut oil.

Coconut butter can be used as a spread as well as a cooking oil. However, unlike coconut oil, it is not often used for stovetop cooking, since the butter burns quite easily. 

Coconut butter also has about 120 calories per tablespoon.

Moisturizes the skin

Coconut oil and coconut act as natural moisturizers for skin, hair, and nails. Rich in fatty acids, it can promote skin suppleness by nourishing and protecting the skin. If you have dry, flaky skin, switching to coconut oil in place of your typical moisturizer may soften and hydrate your skin.

Improves barrier function

Coconut oil and coconut butter contain medium-chain fatty acids, which can strengthen the skin barrier, allowing more moisture to reach the surface and increasing surface lipid levels. This is especially beneficial for people with atopic dermatitis, which can develop when the skin barrier is compromised.

Slows skin aging

Coconut oil and coconut butter are powerful antioxidants that can delay or prevent signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles brought on by free radical damage caused by pollution and sun damage. Applying it after a vitamin C serum in the morning can enhance the activity of the active compounds in coconut oil. 

Natural makeup remover

Coconut oil is an excellent natural makeup remover that you can use as the first step in your double-cleanse program. Apply it to moist skin, massage in circular movements, rinse, then follow with a cleanser to remove any residue.

Promotes hair health

Applying coconut butter sparingly and massaging it into the hair roots is a popular treatment for dandruff and dry scalp. Additionally, it promotes hair growth and seals in moisture, adding shine to dry hair. After spritzing your hair with a leave-in conditioner, work a dime-sized dollop of coconut oil or coconut butter through damp hair before drying. Your hair will be silky smooth without greasiness. 

Speeds up wound healing

Coconut oil and coconut butter contain lauric acid, which inhibits bacterial growth. Both are also high in collagen content, which helps heal wounds by promoting tissue growth and repair.