Refined/unrefined coconut oil

[monsterna]

Is there a difference in efficacy between unrefined and refined coconut oil? I have been using refined, since that's what was in my pantry at the moment.

[rymorg2]

I have heard many people say no, but ime yes there is! I use only unrefined, extra virgin, organic coconut oil on my hair and skin. It's as natural as it comes and smells VERY coconuty. I guess it's a good thing I like the smell of it.

My hair and skin do much better with organic virgin cold pressed as close to what nature made it oils and products. I have to spend more on them because of it, but it's worth it in the long run because it also lasts longer. I get a bottle of camellia japonica oil (the most expensive kind I have to get from japan) but it lasts me like 3 years for the teeny bottle that the 30 dollars I spend including shipping gets me, so I'm willing to spend it. Since I use coconut oil all over, even though it doesn't last as long for me it's one of the only products I have to buy (my shampoo costs a buck and that is it otherwise) so it's cost effective.

And I really do get better results.

[luxepiggy]

I've never used refined myself, but most people on LHC do, so I think you're fine. Personally I use the Spectrum Organics refined version as I object to the scent (and taste) of coconuts (^(oo)^)

[Jordan S.]

Is the Jarrow Formulas oil considered refined?

[rymorg2]

I used to hate the smell too but now for some reason I love it. I forgot to add that one reason I stay away from refined is that I tried refined one time and had an allergic reaction to it. That never happens with the unrefined.

[spidermom]

I've used both and noticed very little difference, other than the coconut scent of the unrefined oil, which I love, so I'm going to stick with the unrefined.

[heidi w.]

I've used both and noticed very little difference, other than the coconut scent of the unrefined oil, which I love, so I'm going to stick with the unrefined.

Any difference there is, is relatively minor and somewhat difficult to detect, so it's probably not worth the effort to go unrefined unless it's easy to do.

I agree with Spidermom. (She has lovely hair, don't you agree???)

If you would like to "scent" your hair your way....consider this.....

So you put some coconut oil on the palms and rub hand palms together to melt. No pooling, just a sheer amount that if you tilt the palm of your hand in the light then you see the oil on the palm.

Welll.......

You can add a "scented" oil, a drop or two, and similarly rub between your hands already damp with coconut oil.

Then smooth it in the hair length (not the scalp). It'll be a nice, not very intense, scent. Pleasant when someone gets close or the hair flies a bit or passes close to someone.

You can do this when you boar bristle brush to polish the hair length.

You may need less coconut oil on the palms if you're adding in a few drops of scented oil. My faves have been geranium, in particular; ylang-ylang, occasionally lavender.

By the way, if you ever have too much coconut oil or combined oil and scented oil on the palms, simply pat the palms on a paper towel to absorb a bit of excess. Easy enough to add in more; a real pain if it's too much (then you have to wait a few days for it to absorb).

heidi w.

[heidi w.]

Is the Jarrow Formulas oil considered refined?

Well, here's a hit on Jarrow's official website on my search for coconut oil...

each listing explains expeller pressed, one shows unrefined....

http://www.jarrow.com/searchresult.php?site=default_collection&client=jarrow_frontend&proxystylesheet=jarrow_frontend&output=xml_no_dtd&q=oil

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-expeller-pressed-oil.htm
Explains expeller pressed.

http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/organic-coconut-oil/unrefined-coconut-oil.html
Explains unrefined oil....

Hope this helps,
heidi w.

[monsterna]

Thank you, everyone. :) I'll just use up my refined oil now (that will take a while!) and then get unrefined after if I can be bothered.

[Love23101]

Yes. The refined has a bunch of great nutrients taken out of it. I'd recommend getting Virgin Coconut oil that is organic and unrefined. If you have a health store, they will have it.