Monoi oil and coconut oil look alike, and both turn solid when the room gets cool. So is monoi just coconut oil with a nicer label? Not quite. Monoi starts as coconut oil, but what happens next changes how it smells, how it is made and what you are paying for. Here is a plain comparison to help you pick the right one.
The short answer
Coconut oil is oil pressed from the coconut. Monoi oil is refined coconut oil that has been infused with fresh tiare flowers (Tahitian gardenia) for days, so it carries their scent. All monoi is coconut oil at heart, but not all coconut oil is monoi.
Monoi oil vs coconut oil at a glance
| Monoi oil | Coconut oil | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Refined coconut oil infused with tiare flowers | Oil pressed from coconut meat |
| Scent | Floral and creamy (tiare), or another added scent | Coconut (virgin) or almost none (refined) |
| Where it's made | Genuine Monoi de Tahiti must be made in French Polynesia | Many countries |
| Made for | Skin, hair and body care | Cooking, and also skin and hair |
| Turns solid | Yes, below about 68°F (20°C) per the Monoi Tiki Tahiti label | Yes, below about 76°F (24°C) |
| Protected name | Yes: Monoi de Tahiti Appellation d'Origine (1992) | No |
How each one is made
Coconut oil
Coconut oil comes from the white flesh of mature coconuts. Virgin coconut oil is pressed from fresh coconut and keeps a strong coconut smell and taste. Refined coconut oil is usually made from dried coconut (copra) and then cleaned up, so it has little scent and a neutral taste. Both are sold as cooking oils and as beauty oils.
Monoi oil
Monoi takes refined coconut oil from Polynesian coconuts and adds fresh tiare flowers, picked as buds. The flowers soak in the oil for days so their fragrance moves into it. This process is called enfleurage or maceration. Under the Monoi de Tahiti Appellation d'Origine, created by French Decree 92-340 in 1992, genuine monoi must be made in French Polynesia using at least 10 tiare flowers per liter of oil, soaked for at least 10 days.
Parfumerie Tiki in Papeete has made Monoi Tiki Tahiti Tiare this way since 1942. Its label lists coconut oil, tiare flower, fragrance and vitamin E, and each bottle holds a dried tiare blossom.
The real difference: scent and experience
Because both are coconut-based, they feel similar on the skin: rich, smooth and quick to melt with body heat. The main difference you will notice is the scent.
- Coconut oil smells like coconut, or like almost nothing if it is refined. It does the job, but it is not a treat.
- Monoi smells of tiare: creamy, floral and soft. Many people use it as a light everyday fragrance as well as a body oil, so it does two jobs at once.
If you like a coconut scent but want the Tahitian version, Monoi Tiki Tahiti Coco is made in Tahiti like the other Monoi Tiki oils but has a mellow coconut scent instead of a floral one.
Which should you use?
Choose coconut oil if...
- You want an oil for cooking. Monoi is for skin and hair only; do not eat it.
- You want something unscented.
- You need a large tub on a tight budget.
Choose monoi oil if...
- You want a body or hair oil that also leaves a beautiful scent.
- You love gardenia, tiare or tropical florals.
- You want a product with a real place of origin and a traditional method behind it.
- You are looking for a gift that feels special. Pairing an oil with a matching monoi soap makes an easy set.
Can you use monoi oil the same way as coconut oil?
For skin and hair, mostly yes. Use monoi as an after-shower body oil, a massage oil, a pre-shampoo hair mask or a finishing oil for dry ends. See how to use monoi oil for hair for step-by-step tips.
A few differences to keep in mind:
- Monoi is fragranced. If you have sensitive skin, try a small amount on your inner arm first and wait a day.
- Neither is a sunscreen. If you will be in the sun, use a sunscreen as directed on its label.
- Use less than you think. Both are rich. A few drops cover a lot of skin.
What about monoi vs jojoba oil?
Jojoba oil comes from the seed of a desert shrub and is technically a liquid wax rather than an oil. It stays liquid in the cold, has almost no scent and feels lighter on the skin. Monoi feels richer, firms up in cool weather and carries the tiare scent. Some people use jojoba on the face and monoi on the body and hair.
How to spot real monoi
Because monoi became popular in the 1970s, many copies appeared, often plain coconut oil with gardenia fragrance made far from Tahiti. To find the real thing, check that the label says it is made in Tahiti or French Polynesia, lists coconut oil and tiare flower near the top of the ingredients, and carries the Monoi de Tahiti Appellation d'Origine seal.
Buy from the official U.S. importer
monoi.com is run by Hawaiian Resources Co. in Honolulu, the official U.S. importer of Monoi Tiki Tahiti, made by Parfumerie Tiki in Tahiti. We ship every order from Hawaii, with free U.S. shipping on orders of $30 or more.
Shop all Monoi Tiki Tahiti oils →
FAQ
Is monoi oil just coconut oil?
Monoi is made from refined coconut oil, but fresh tiare flowers are soaked in it for days. That infusion, and the scent it brings, is what makes it monoi.
Can I cook with monoi oil?
No. Monoi is a cosmetic for skin and hair. Use food-grade coconut oil in the kitchen.
Why does monoi turn solid in winter?
Because it is made from coconut oil. The Monoi Tiki Tahiti label says it turns solid below 68°F (20°C). Warm the bottle in warm water and it melts again.
Is monoi oil better than coconut oil?
It depends on what you want. They feel similar on skin. Monoi adds the tiare scent and a traditional Tahitian method; coconut oil is plainer and can also be used for cooking.
Does Monoi Tiki Tahiti Coco smell like coconut?
Yes. Coco is Parfumerie Tiki's coconut-scented monoi, a good pick if you prefer a less floral scent.
Keep reading: Monoi oil for hair: how to use it · What is monoi oil? · How to use monoi oil on skin