Independent coconut oil guides

Find the right coconut oil for your kitchen, skin & hair

Compare the coconut oils worth buying, understand how virgin, refined, and MCT oils differ, and get practical guides for cooking and everyday care.

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Our top coconut oil picks

One for every job, from everyday cooking to skin care. Chosen from labels, specifications, and published research.

Read the full buying guide

  1. Best overall

    Nature's Way Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

    Extra-virgin

    USDA organic, cold-pressed, single-ingredient jar that handles cooking, baking, skin, and oil pulling.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

  2. Best big-jar value

    NaturaleBio Organic Virgin Coconut Oil

    Raw virgin

    Large jar with a low price per ounce for households that go through a lot of oil.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

  3. Best budget

    Parachute 100% Pure Unrefined Coconut Oil

    Unrefined

    A classic, single-ingredient unrefined oil at a lower cost than most organic jars.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

  4. Best for high-heat cooking

    365 by Whole Foods Market Refined Coconut Oil

    Refined

    Neutral taste and a higher smoke point for frying and sautéing.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

  5. Best for coffee & energy

    Nutiva Organic MCT Oil (C8/C10)

    MCT

    Stays liquid and blends easily into coffee and smoothies.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

  6. Best for skin & hair

    Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil

    Fractionated

    Odorless, non-greasy carrier oil that absorbs quickly.

    Check price on Amazon Read our guide

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are shown on Amazon and can change.

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Buying guide

How to choose a coconut oil

Most of the difference between jars comes down to three things. Get these right and you’ll buy the right oil the first time.

  1. Match the oil to the jobVirgin oil keeps its coconut flavor and aroma for baking and body care. Refined oil is neutral and handles high-heat cooking.
  2. Check how it was processedLook for “cold-pressed” or “expeller-pressed” on the label, and be wary of vague terms like “pure” or “natural” on their own.
  3. Compare size and valuePrice per ounce drops sharply on larger jars. Buy big only if you’ll use it within about two years of opening.
Read the buying guide Coconut oil vs MCT oil

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Common coconut oil questions

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What is the difference between virgin and refined coconut oil?

Virgin (unrefined) oil is pressed from fresh coconut and keeps its coconut flavor and aroma. Refined oil is filtered and deodorized, so it tastes neutral and tolerates higher cooking temperatures.

Is coconut oil safe for cooking at high heat?

Refined coconut oil has a smoke point near 400°F (204°C); virgin sits closer to 350°F (175°C). Use refined for frying and searing, virgin for baking and medium heat.

Can I use coconut oil on my face?

Coconut oil is rated highly comedogenic, so it can clog pores, especially on acne-prone skin. Patch-test first, favor it on body skin, and consider fractionated coconut oil for the face.

Does coconut oil expire?

Stored sealed in a cool, dark place, virgin coconut oil typically keeps 18–24 months. Once opened, check the smell before use; rancid oil smells sour or crayon-like.