Differences and Similarities Between Shea Butter And Coconut Oil.

Shea butter and coconut oil are two natural ingredients that have been used for centuries for body,

scalp and hair care. With increasing awareness about their fantastic properties for healing and wellness, many people are using either or both as their preferred choice of oil for body and hair care.

Shea butter is solid at room temperature while coconut oil is liquid. Both have the following similarities;

• Antioxidant properties.
• Anti-aging properties.
• Vitamin E and other vitamins..
• Highly moisturing.
• Edible.
• Promote wound healing.
• Reduce the appearance of stretch marks.

Differences between shea butter and coconut oil

	Shea butter	Coconut oil
At room temperature	Solid	Liquid
Texture	Thick and buttery	Light and oily
Smell or aroma	Nutty. May put some people off	Coconut and better
Colour	Cream, off-white	Colourless
	Great for skin issues like dermatitis and dryness	Antimicrobial, great against warts, athletes foot
		Vermifuge, treats intestinal worms and head lice.
		Dandruff
	Non-comedogenic, so does not clog pores	Fairly comedogenic
Important component acid	Contains more oleic acid which is essential for deep moisture and longer protection for skin.  Cinnamic acid gives sun blocking benefits or UV protection	Contains lauric acid which is responsible for its antimicrobial properties
	Better for moisturizing skin and hair	Better for treating scalp and skin diseases. Reduces whitening of hair
Moisturizing power	Has superior moisture power
	Better for all skin types	Not ideal for skin types that are prone to pore blockage

Combining both shea butter and coconut oil together for your skin, hair, scalp, massage and other body care purposes, you get a potent mixture that will do wonders for you. The mixture will also give a better aroma and texture. 

It is better to use unrefined products or ingredients in order to get the best from them. Using either separately or together beats using petroleum jelly or any other refined oil.

Let us know about your experience with shea butter or coconut oil below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.