Mindfully Healthy Living

  • Recipes
  • Holistic Nutrition
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Holistic Nutrition
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Holistic Nutrition
    • About Us
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Nutrition Comparisons

    Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter: Benefits, Uses, and Differences

    Published: Mar 9, 2023 · Modified: Jan 29, 2025 by Natalie Perry · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    7 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Email
    • Print
    • LinkedIn

    Are you interested in the world of natural health products? If so, then you've probably heard about the myriad of uses for coconut oil and cocoa butter.

    A pink background with brown cursive writing saying Benefits of Coconut Oil and Cocoa Butter with print at the bottom that reads Mindfullyhealthyliving.com in the middle is an ivory-colored pile of raw cocoa butter. to the left side of the photo is a cracked open coconut, coconut tree leaves, and a wooden spoon and bowl with a scoop of coconut oil on it. Also, next to the spoon is a glass jar filled with coconut oil laying diagnally. this …

    Seen as a health and beauty miracle, coconut oil and cocoa butter have been used for thousands of years for their many health and beauty benefits.

    In this article, you'll learn about their benefits, uses, and differences. On top of that, you'll also find out where to find the best quality products wherever you are.

    So, if you're ready to embark on a journey to discover the amazing benefits of what many consider to be miracle ingredients, let's get started!

    Jump to:
    • What is Coconut Oil?
    • Refined vs Unrefined
    • Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil
    • What is Cocoa Butter?
    • Buying the Best Quality Product
    • Uses and Benefits of Cocoa Butter
    • Skincare Benefits
    • Nutritional Benefits
    • Product Recommendations
    • Coconut Oil vs Cocoa Butter
    • Comments

    What is Coconut Oil?

    Coconut oil is an edible oil that traditionally comes from pressing fresh or dried coconut meat (coconut kernels) to produce oil.

    It can also be made from coconut milk using enzymes in a specific extraction process. Exporters either produce the oils themselves, but have found that selling just the meat or the whole coconut has yielded them higher profits.

    Over 70% of the world's coconut oil is produced in Indonesia and The Philippines.

    Coconut oil has been used for centuries as a stable cooking oil with a very high smoke point, a common ingredient in recipes, a superfood supplement, an ingredient in beauty products, and a health care staple.

    When choosing the highest quality product, coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils available on the market.

    Extra virgin coconut oil has a long shelf life at room temperature due to its natural self-protective antimicrobial properties. Simply keep your coconut oil sealed in a glass jar in a cool, dry, and dark place. Under these conditions, your oil should last indefinitely!

    an auburn colored table with coconut shells in front with a clear glass mason jar with coconut oil in it. a greey string is tied in a bow around the top with no lid on it. Around it is two coconut halves with brown outer shell and white innards and on the left is a whole, uncut brown hairy coconut

    Refined vs Unrefined

    Conventional methods of coconut oil extraction and production involve very toxic chemical solvents. These solvents are used in tandem with the expeller machines because they help manufacturing companies produce up to 30% more oil.

    The oil is then "refined" which also uses harsh chemical solvents. These processes strip the coconut oil of its very beneficial properties that may have inspired you to use it in the first place!

    A better option is to choose organic coconut oil, and more specifically extra virgin and unrefined coconut oil.

    These specifics on the label will help you to know you are getting a better product. If you would like to take it a step further, research the company that makes the coconut oil you are considering to find out their exact extraction method.

    This will ensure you know exactly where the products are from and how they are manufactured. Good manufacturing practices are key to receiving the most benefits from your coconut oil.

    Uses and Benefits of Coconut Oil

    Coconut oil has a multitude of benefits for your body when used internally and externally.

    There have been numerous studies proving the vast array of health benefits and uses for this superfood.

    It is one of the best natural moisturizers as it easily absorbs into the skin. It also creates a protective layer for hair or skin barrier against the sun and other possible irritants.

    Anti-Inflammatory

    Coconut oil also has incredible anti-inflammatory properties due to its high antioxidant activity. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals which alter the cells and trigger inflammation. Regular use and consumption may help to soothe inflammation and even contribute to reversing the signs of aging.

    a woman receiving a massage lying down

    This healthy fat contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid. These powerful ingredients provide quick energy and are known to help burn fat and turn it into fuel. This is often used in Bulletproof Coffee in the morning for sustained all-day energy.

    Studies have also shown that the lauric acid content in coconut oil gives it antimicrobial power that fights against bacteria, fungi, and even viruses. The lauric acid content (monolaurin) boosts the immune system with tools to help fight off disease, strengthen the heart and brain, and so much more. What a powerhouse!

    Improves Absorption

    Coconut oil also improves the absorption of many vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that are fat-soluble. This includes turmeric, omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin E, and vitamin D.

    Taking a spoonful of coconut oil at the same time as your favorite fat-soluble supplements helps them to be properly absorbed!

    Oil Pulling

    Due to its high antimicrobial content, coconut oil has been used for dental health with a process called oil pulling. swishing with unrefined oil for 15 minutes per day helps to balance the microbiome of the mouth, reduce bacteria, and improve the overall health of your teeth! Learn more about natural dental care tips in this article.

    Skincare Routine

    This healthy oil is also used as a part of a skincare routine as its natural ingredients soothe skin irritation and act as a good moisturizer to relieve cracked and dry skin.

    Many use it as a makeup remover, face wash, sunscreen, lip balm, and burn reliever as well.

    What is Cocoa Butter?

    Cocoa butter (aka cacao butter or theobroma oil) is derived from cocoa beans.

    It is a light yellow edible vegetable fat that is used in many products ranging from skin care products to white chocolate.

    An up close picture of light yellow colored raw and hard chunks of cocoa butter on a light grey rug.

    Cacao beans are roasted, shelled, and crushed into tiny pieces called cocoa nibs. The nibs are then pressed into a liquid called cocoa liquor. The fat solids are then separated from the liquor and this becomes the cocoa butter.

    Similar to other cacao and cocoa products like cocoa powder, the difference between cocoa and cacao is the heat processing of the beans.

    Cacao is the raw form of beans and cocoa is the form that is processed with high heat.

    Cacao has incredible health benefits when processed delicately and without heat or chemicals.

    As with most foods and nutrients, heat degrades the cacao and its many nutrients and health benefits diminish significantly.

    Buying the Best Quality Product

    It is important to know that when shopping for cacao and cacao butter, the food industry does not regulate to use of the words cacao and cocoa or even "raw".

    Because of this, any company can claim the product is raw, when it is not. Raw means it has not been heated above 114 degrees Fahrenheit.

    To ensure proper care has been taken to preserve the integrity of the product, it is important to do a little research into the company before you buy.

    Most reputable manufacturers will be transparent in their processes and go above and beyond to share that information with the public.

    Uses and Benefits of Cocoa Butter

    Cocoa butter is rich in vitamin E which is amazing for skin, vision, brain, and heart health. It is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants that fight free radicals and reduce the signs of aging. The phytochemicals it contains improve blood flow and protect against sun damage.

    Similar to coconut oil, cocoa butter is deeply hydrating for skin, hair, and nails. It smooths and moisturizes dry patches in the skin while providing key nutrients to help the skin heal.

    Many consumers, including myself, use cocoa butter as a hand and foot mask, lip balm, hair smoother, and cuticle softener.

    Skincare Benefits

    One of its most famous uses is fading and reducing the appearance of stretch marks and dark spots.

    As mentioned before, cocoa butter is rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins a, e, and k. When used topically, the butter absorbs deeply into multiple layers of skin and nourishes the skin with these nutrients.

    a face with twi strands of brown hair and freckles and lipgloss

    The oleic acid present in cocoa butter gives skin a healthy glow.

    This also provides the skin with the extra ability to regenerate elasticity by producing collagen and elastin faster than it would have naturally.

    When the skin is provided with this regularly and preemptively, many believe that it might prevent the formation of stretch marks before they arrive. However, more research is needed to support this claim.

    This is why many body butter products including cocoa butter are marketed to the pregnant community. Be careful of such products and their ingredients. It is always best to search for high-quality pure cocoa butter.

    To use, simply rub cacao butter over your skin until it melts then massage the oil over your skin to reap all of its luxurious benefits.

    Nutritional Benefits

    Cocoa butter is also used often in recipes for baking sweet or creamy recipes. You can also add raw cacao butter to your bulletproof coffee to help in quick and sustained energy due to its high-fat content.

    These healthy fats may help to produce ketones which train your body to burn fat for fuel.

    Like coconut oil, many believe that true cacao butter can last indefinitely due to its antimicrobial properties.

    It contains caprylic acid which helps to fight candida, a fungus that can cause health problems if out of balance, internally and externally.

    Many beleive cacao butter helps to neutralize candida and prevent yeast infections and diaper rash. Some people even claim it helps to relieve mouth ulcers. Truly amazing stuff!

    Product Recommendations

    Here are a few Raw Organic Cacao Butters and Organic Unrefined Extra Virgin Coconut Oils!

    Healthworks Superfoods Orga...Shop on Amazon Zeal Superfoods Organic Cac...Shop on Amazon Organic Extra Virgin Coconu...Shop on Amazon

    Coconut Oil vs Cocoa Butter

    Both Coconut oil and cocoa butter are good choices to add to your skincare routine. They are both considered healthy fats loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that provide a benefit to many health and skin conditions.

    They are both vegan and gluten-free products when purchased in their natural form.

    Coconut oil is a liquid at warmer temperatures but becomes a solid when cold.

    Cocoa butter maintains its solid form.

    Coconut oil has a more oily texture, while cocoa butter is a creamier and thicker consistency. Whatever you choose for your health and skin care needs, you are sure to win with the highest quality products.

    Interested in healing your skin from the inside out? Check out this helpful article on the Common Myths About How Diet Affects Skincare.

    Be sure to check out our section on recommendations for coconut oil and cocoa butter!

    Have you added coconut oil or cacao butter to your daily health regimen? How does it work for you? Let us know in the comments!

    Be well,

    Natalie

    More Nutrition Comparisons

    • Graphic with a scoop of powder being poured into a shaker bottle, labeled with arrows pointing to 'BCAAs' and 'WHEY PROTEIN' and text for a guide to clean supplement use at MindfullyHealthyLiving.com.
      BCAAs vs Whey Protein: How to Choose the Best Supplements
    • Creative presentation of sprouted and unsprouted chia seeds with informative text, ideal for a comparison pin.
      Sprouted vs Unsprouted Chia Seeds
    • A wooden spoon overflowing with white powder on a wooden surface, with the text "Cornstarch & Baking Powder."
      Cornstarch vs Baking Powder: What to Know for Best Results
    • Whole nutmeg and ground nutmeg on one side, cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon on the other.
      Nutmeg vs Cinnamon: Health Benefits, Differences, and Uses 

    Comments

      Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Katie says

      March 11, 2023 at 5:24 pm

      My second child has the most sensitive skin and it has been quite a journey trying to figure out what works for her skin. Coconut oil and breastmilk are the only two things that help her skin. I always get looks when I use coconut oil over traditional diaper cream. But, it works so well!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        March 11, 2023 at 5:34 pm

        I love this! Coconut oil is awesome ???? glad you found something that works

        Reply
    2. Diana says

      March 11, 2023 at 4:44 am

      Appreciate all the helpful information!

      Reply
      • Natalie Perry says

        March 11, 2023 at 5:36 pm

        So happy you enjoy it! ❤️❤️

        Reply
    A woman smiling with long brown hair and flowered v-neck dress shirt on.

    Hello there! My name is Natalie. My passion is creating and sharing healthy recipes, tips, and affirmations for a healthy mind and body. I am a wife, mom, certified holistic nutrition specialist, hypnotherapist, reiki master, and healthy food blogger! I enjoy learning, creating, and sharing healthy recipes that the whole family will love.

    Thanks for stopping in! We look forward to hearing how you like our recipes! Welcome to the tribe :)

    Tell me more →

    Popular Recipes

    • A mason jar filled with a creamy health nut smoothie and a purple-striped straw, surrounded by chopped nuts on a wooden surface.
      Nekter Health Nut Smoothie (Copycat Recipe)
    • Turmeric lemon juice in a glass.
      Turmeric Lemon Juice Liver Cleanse Recipe 
    • An overhead shot of a fully assembled chia seed pudding dish next to almond butter toast, showcasing the colorful toppings of fresh fruit and granola on the pudding.
      First Watch Chia Pudding Copycat Recipe
    • An acai peanut butter bowl with neat toppings of granola, peanut butter, and sliced fruits including bananas, strawberries, and green apple.
      Nekter Acai Peanut Butter Bowl
    • A variety of whole fruits and vegetables including carrots, oranges, limes avocado, and melon.
      Guide to a Diet That Excludes Processed Food
    • A photo of a group of various colorful vegetables at the bottom of the photo. Text overlay says in cursive and print: Anti-Cancer Diet and Meal Plan with Cancer Fighting Foods. MindfullyHealthyLiving.com is in print over white background at the bottom of the photo.
      Anti-Cancer Diet and Meal Plan with Cancer-Fighting Foods

    Detox for the New Year

    • A glass of vibrant green cucumber juice garnished with a slice of lime, with fresh mint leaves, a piece of ginger, and a halved lime in the background.
      Detoxifying Cucumber Juice for Weight Loss
    • A vibrant green smoothie in a glass with a lemon wheel garnishment.
      Tropical Smoothie Cafe Detox Island Green
    • A tall glass filled with rich, orange-colored sweet potato juice, garnished with a bright orange slice on the rim, set against a dark, wooden background. A light frothy layer sits atop the juice, indicating its freshness.
      Sunrise Sweet Potato Juice Recipe for Weight Loss
    • A jar of deep red juice with a stalk of celery as a stirrer on a wooden background, suggesting a freshly made beet-based cleanse juice.
      Colon Cleanse Juice Recipe for Gut Health
    • A glass of green juice with light foam at the top.
      First Watch Kale Tonic (Copycat Recipe)
    • A small glass filled with bright yellow anti-inflammatory juice alongside a larger mason jar half full of the same juice, on a wooden surface.
      Anti Inflammatory Juice Shots

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • About
    • Terms and Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    This site may contain affiliate links

    Copyright © 2025 Mindfully Healthy Living

    a pink background infographic with 5 transparent white rectangles with 5 circles over lapping the left side of them in brown with a white number in each. on the top left is a drawing of a cocoa bean and on the right side are photos of coconuts cracked open with decorative green leaves and bamboo scoop spoons with coconut oil on the spoons. at the bottom is a cropped photo of cocoa beans and a dark wicker basket on a dark wooden table ledge. The top has light brown cursive saying the Benefits of Coconut oil and cocoa butter. The #1 rectangle says gives you an energy spike without affecting insulin levels. #2 says moisturizes with vitamins minerals and antioxidants. #3 says Hydrates skin and reduces fine lines, stretch marks, and dark spots. #4 says antimicrobial and immune boosting #5 says Protects and nourishes skin hair and nails