Keeping your skin moisturized is essential to keep it healthy. But which moisturizer should you choose to get the best results? Shea butter and coconut oil are popular natural moisturizing ingredients found in many skincare products. But when deciding between the two, you may wonder which is the better moisturizer and which is harder, shea butter or coconut oil?
When comparing shea butter vs coconut oil to see which is harder, you will find the two ingredients have very different consistencies. Shea butter is harder than coconut oil and has a higher melting point. In contrast, coconut butter melts when it is smoothed onto the skin. While their consistencies may differ, each of these moisturizers is known to be effective. But the question is, which of them is the best?
In this blog post, we will compare shea butter vs coconut oil, the pros and cons of each, and their different uses.
Coconut Oil
Everyone knows that coconut oil is derived from coconuts, but its powerful ingredients may be more of a mystery. Coconut oil is known to be a great moisturizer, and this is due to its high linoleic acid content.
Coconut Oil Uses
As with shea butter, coconut oil is suitable for use as a cooking oil. Some people even eat coconut oil raw to try and enjoy health benefits. However, the jury is still out on whether consuming coconut oil in this way delivers any real benefits. But, coconut oil is widely used to produce skincare and haircare products. Here are some of the products that often contain coconut oil among their ingredients:
- Shampoos and conditioners
- Scalp treatments
- Body moisturizers
- Makeup removers
Coconut Oil Pros
Natural antibacterial properties are found in coconut oil. This is due to its lauric acid content, which has a microbial effect on the skin.
Coconut oil is easily absorbed by the hair and can be effective at keeping the hair healthy. Using coconut oil as a deep conditioner helps to tame frizz and reduce breakage along the hair shaft.
Coconut oils can form a barrier over a dry skin rash to prevent it from dryness.
Coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids, which help to lock moisture into the skin.
Coconut Oil Cons
Can clog pores and make the skin congested.
May cause breakouts on oily, acne prone skin.
Coconut oil does not actively moisturize dry skin.
Although rare, coconut oil could be an allergen for some people.
Using too much coconut oil can make the skin feel oily as it sits on the skin's surface.
Shea Butter
Shea butter originates from Africa and is derived from the shea tree. Shea butter is created by taking the two oily kernels from within the shea tree seed, grinding them, and placing the powder in boiling water. During this process, the shea butter rises to the top of the water in a solid form.
Shea Butter Uses
Shea butter has a range of uses in beauty products, but can also be used for cooking. As shea butter is one of the vegan fats available, it is suitable for use as a butter substitute and as a vegetable fat for cooking. It is important to note that the refined shea butter used in skin care products is unsuitable for cooking.
Here are some of the ways that shea butter can be used in skincare:
- Moisturizers
- Body lotions
- Lip balms
- Hand creams
Our hugely popular Botanic Tree Stretch Mark Cream contains shea butter as one of its main ingredients. Harnessing the power of shea butter combined with cocoa butter and avocado, our Stretch Mark Cream actively prevents stretch marks from forming and fades the appearance of both stretch marks and scars.
Shea Butter Pros
Shea butter has superior moisturizing power and makes an excellent emollient for scaly skin, especially skin prone to eczema.
Shea butter contains several fatty acids that provide superior moisturizing properties. These fatty acids include linoleic acid, oleic, palmitic, and stearic.
Shea butter can help to calm inflamed skin, as it contains anti inflammatory properties.
Shea butter does not clog pores and is easily absorbed into the skin.
Can help to restore the skin barrier to protect it thanks to the fatty acids restoring lipids enabling the skin to naturally hydrate.
Using shea butter does not cause oily skin.
Shea butter is usually suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Shea butter is high in antioxidants, which makes it an excellent addition to your skincare routine to help fight the signs of aging. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory skin benefits of shea butter are outlined in a 2018 study.
Shea butter is also a popular choice for people that want to minimize the appearance of scars. The antioxidants in shea butter can help to soften scars and help to prevent keloids from forming. Botanic Tree's retinol cream uses shea butter as one of the main ingredients for anti-aging effects and to fight fine lines and wrinkles
Shea Butter Cons
Raw shea butter may be too thick for some people and feel heavy on the skin.
The heavier oils in raw shea butter may deter people with mild oily skin from using it in case of acne breakouts.
Coconut Oil or Shea Butter: Which is the Best?
Overall both shea butter and coconut oil can help keep your skin hydrated and healthy. However, when comparing the two products side-by-side, we have to choose shea butter as the best as it has a slightly deeper moisturizing effect and is easily absorbed into the skin. The coconut oil shea butter debate will always be present, but there is one reason shea butter edges ahead. While coconut oil sits on the skin, shea butter is easily absorbed, delivering essential moisture to the skin cells without clogging pores.
If you want to experience the difference that shea butter makes to the skin, why not try our Botanic Tree Anti Stretch Mark Cream? This hero product helps prevent the formation of stretch marks and reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks and scars. The Anti Stretch Mark Cream is essential for healthy skin, and its hydrating formula has delivered proven results in 93% of users. Botanic Tree's Retinol Cream is perfect for your face and eyes to combat wrinkles and promote anti-aging! Put this skin-loving product to the test and order yours today.