The main difference between refined and unrefined coconut oil is scent and processing. Unrefined (virgin) coconut oil is pressed from fresh coconut meat and keeps a strong coconut smell and taste. Refined coconut oil is usually made from dried coconut (copra) and then cleaned, bleached and deodorized, so it is nearly scentless and flavorless. For skin and hair they feel very similar, because the oil itself is largely the same. The choice mostly comes down to whether you want the coconut scent, and what you plan to do with the oil.
How unrefined (virgin) coconut oil is made
Unrefined coconut oil, often labeled virgin or extra virgin, comes from fresh coconut meat. It is either pressed directly or made from coconut milk that is separated into oil. It isn't bleached or deodorized, so it keeps the natural coconut aroma and flavor. Both "virgin" and "extra virgin" are used for this type; there's no strict legal difference between them for coconut oil in the U.S.
How refined coconut oil is made
Refined coconut oil usually starts from copra, coconut meat that has been dried. The oil is pressed out and then refined, often described as RBD: refined, bleached and deodorized. Some refined oils use chemical solvents in extraction; others are expeller-pressed and refined with heat and filtering. The result is a clean, pale oil with little scent or taste.
Refined vs unrefined at a glance
| Unrefined (virgin) | Refined | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Fresh coconut meat | Usually dried coconut (copra) |
| Scent and taste | Strong coconut | Nearly neutral |
| Color | Clear to white | Clear to white |
| Cooking | Lower smoke point; adds coconut flavor | Higher smoke point; neutral flavor |
| Price | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Melts at | Both are solid below roughly 76°F (24°C) and liquid above it | |
Which is better for skin?
Both work as a body moisturizer. They are rich, melt quickly on warm skin and leave it feeling soft. The differences:
- Choose unrefined if you like the coconut smell and want the least-processed option.
- Choose refined if you want no coconut smell, or if you plan to add your own scent. A neutral oil doesn't compete with fragrance.
- On the face, go easy. Coconut oil is heavy, and some people find it can clog pores. Many keep it for the body and use something lighter on the face.
Apply either one to damp skin after a shower, using just a few drops, so it spreads thinly. More tips in how to use monoi oil on skin.
Which is better for hair?
Again, both behave about the same. People use coconut oil as a pre-shampoo treatment on lengths and ends, or a drop or two to smooth dry ends. Refined oil is the better choice if you don't want your hair to smell like coconut all day. Step-by-step instructions are in monoi oil for hair.
Which is better for cooking?
Unrefined coconut oil adds coconut flavor, which suits curries and baking. Refined coconut oil has a neutral taste and handles higher heat better. Only use oil sold as food for cooking. Cosmetic oils, including monoi, are not for eating.
Why monoi uses refined coconut oil
Monoi is a Tahitian tradition: fresh tiare flowers (Tahitian gardenia) soaked in coconut oil for days so the oil takes on their scent. Monoi de Tahiti is made with refined coconut oil, and that is deliberate. A neutral oil lets the tiare scent come through cleanly instead of competing with a strong coconut aroma. For the full comparison, read monoi oil vs coconut oil.
If you do want a coconut scent, Parfumerie Tiki makes Coco monoi. It is refined coconut oil with a hint of tiare and a coconut fragrance that smells earthy, nutty and slightly musky, like a gentle version of fresh copra rather than a sweet dessert. It is unisex and one of only two non-floral scents in the line. See our Tahitian coconut body oil guide.
The Monoi Tiki Tahiti label says monoi turns solid below about 68°F (20°C). If it hardens, stand the bottle in warm water and it melts. More in our shelf life and storage guide. Monoi is not a sunscreen, and because it is fragranced, patch-test it if your skin is sensitive.
Coconut oil labels, decoded
- Virgin / extra virgin: unrefined oil from fresh coconut.
- Cold-pressed: pressed without added heat; usually unrefined.
- Expeller-pressed: pressed mechanically rather than with chemical solvents. Can be refined or unrefined.
- RBD: refined, bleached and deodorized.
- Fractionated or "liquid" coconut oil: a portion of coconut oil that stays liquid even when it's cool. It feels lighter and has no scent. It's a different product from both regular refined and unrefined oil.
- Cosmetic grade: made for skin and hair, not for eating.
Storing coconut oil
Keep any coconut oil capped, away from heat and direct sun. Both types turn solid in a cool room and melt when warm; repeated melting is fine. If an oil smells sour or "off," it's past its best. Use clean, dry hands or a spoon so water doesn't get into the jar.
Refined vs unrefined coconut oil FAQ
Is refined coconut oil bad for skin?
No. Refined coconut oil moisturizes much like unrefined. It just has little or no scent.
Does refined coconut oil smell like coconut?
Barely, if at all. Deodorizing removes most of the aroma.
Is virgin coconut oil the same as unrefined?
Generally yes. Both terms describe oil from fresh coconut that hasn't been bleached or deodorized.
Why does coconut oil turn solid?
Coconut oil is solid at cool room temperatures and melts when it warms up. Warm the jar or bottle to liquefy it.
Try coconut the Tahitian way
We are the official U.S. importer of Monoi Tiki Tahiti, shipping from Hawaii. Compare scents in the monoi scent guide.
Shop Coco monoi oil, 4 fl oz, $15. Orders of $30 or more ship free in the U.S.