Coconut oil is a giant in the skincare industry and is fast becoming one of the most popular oil products on the market. But there are a few rivals, with a popular one being Kukui nut oil.
Kukui nut oil is derived from the seeds of the kukui tree, which is native to Hawaii. This often allows for a comparison between kukui nut oil and coconut oil, as coconut oil is derived from coconuts, a seed from a similar type of tree.
But which type of oil is better and why? I’m here to give you all the details on kukui nut oil and coconut oil, to ultimately decide which is better and for what reasons.
Keep reading to find out all the similarities and differences between kukui nut oil and coconut oil, as well as my personal favorite!
Similarities and differences between kukui nut oil and coconut oil
Here are some key similarities and differences between coconut oil and kukui nut oil which should help you understand how these two types of oil compare:
| Similarities | Differences |
| Both moisturizing for skin and hair | Kukui nut oil is packed with vitamins E and C, which can help to boost the immune system |
| Coconut oil and kukui nut oil can be used in cooking and baking | Kukui nut oil is lighter than coconut oil, and therefore better suited to oilier skin types as it won’t cause clogged pores |
| Both offer natural healing capabilities, helping to heal wounds and providing antibacterial/antifungal benefits | Coconut oil is more readily available than kukui nut oil and is generally more affordable for this reason |
Similarities
There are many similarities between coconut oil and kukui nut oil, which means they’re often substituted for one another or used interchangeably.
Both of these oil products are very moisturizing for the skin and hair, helping to lock in moisture and provide a healthier, more nourished appearance. They can also be used in cooking and baking, as an alternative to typical products such as olive or vegetable oil.
They are also similar in that they offer natural healing capabilities, resulting in soothing benefits to damaged skin while providing antifungal benefits too.
Differences
Despite these products being similar, they also have quite a few differences. Kukui nut oil is significantly lighter than coconut oil, making it better suited to oilier skin types as it has less of a chance of blocking pores and ultimately breakouts. It’s also less greasy in texture which is preferable to some.
Another benefit kukui oil has that coconut oil does not is that kukui oil is packed full of vitamins E and C, which can help to boost the immune system. This can be found just by regularly using kukui nut oil on the skin, however, it’s best effective for the immune system if ingested via food sources.
However, coconut oil is significantly easier to purchase, with it being available in most high-street drug stores. Kukui oil is more likely to be found online or in specialist retailers, which tends to make it the more expensive of the two.
Another moisturizing product that is readily available is shea butter – here’s an in-depth comparison between coconut oil and shea butter.
Best skin types for kukui nut oil and coconut oil
Coconut nut oil and kukui oil are very versatile and can be used on most skin types. Take a look at the sections below for some clarity on which type of oil is best for different skin types.
Kukui nut oil
Kukui nut oil is best used on dry skin due to its highly moisturizing properties. It’s also suitable for sensitive skin, plus can give some relief from skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
It can be used on oilier skin types too, as it’s lightweight and unlikely to lead to blocked pores or breakouts.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is best used on dryer skin types, as it can provide an extra boost of hydration and give a more moisturized feel/appearance.
I wouldn’t recommend using coconut oil on oily/combination skin (particularly the facial area) as it is greasy in texture and may lead to blocked pores and ultimately acne.
Did you know that coconut oil can be used to help exfoliate dry skin? Take a look at this homemade coconut oil sugar scrub for beautifully smooth, moisturized skin.
The verdict
Now comes the tricky decision of determining which oil is my personal favorite. And the winner is… kukui oil! Yes, it’s more expensive, and yes it’s harder to get your hands on, but ultimately it’s more versatile and I love its lightweight texture. For me, it provides all the benefits of coconut oil with a lighter consistency and benefits for the immune system.
FAQ
Here are a few FAQs that should be helpful in providing further comparisons between kukui nut oil and coconut oil.
Kukui nut oil is not the same as coconut oil. While they are both derived from the seeds of trees, kukui nut oil comes from the seeds of the kukui tree, while coconut oil comes from pressed coconut meat from coconut trees/palm trees.
Kukui nut oil provides moisture for the skin and also provides antibacterial/antifungal benefits helping to reduce the chance of infection.
Kukui oil should not clog pores as it is much lighter in texture than coconut oil. It is non-comedogenic, which is a word used to describe products that are said to not clog pores.
Kukui nut oil can be used on the face as it is known to not clog pores. It is high in vitamins C and E, which can provide an advantage to your skin in terms of fighting infections.
The scent of kukui nut oil is often compared to that of coconut oil, as they both offer sweet, nutty aromas. However, kukui oil tends to have a more subtle scent, which is often preferred by those seeking less fragranced products.
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