You pick up a jar of coconut oil that's solid and white, then another one labelled "virgin" that looks exactly the same, then a third one called "white coconut oil" that seems to be a different product entirely. Are they all the same thing? Not quite - but the confusion isn't really your fault, because one part of it is just basic chemistry, and the other part is genuinely two different products.
First, the Confusing Bit: All Coconut Oil Turns White
Coconut oil has a melting point of around 24°C (76°F). Below that temperature, it's a solid, opaque white - like a jar left in a British kitchen most of the year. Above it, it's a clear liquid. This happens to virgin, unrefined, cold-pressed coconut oil just as much as any other kind. So a jar of "white" solid coconut oil on your counter isn't necessarily processed differently at all - it might just be room temperature.
The Real Difference: Virgin vs Refined ("White"/RBD) Coconut Oil
| Virgin / unrefined | Refined ("white" / RBD) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it's made | Pressed from fresh coconut meat, minimal processing, no heat or chemicals | Usually made from dried coconut meat (copra), treated with alkali, filtered through clay, then heated to high temperatures to strip scent and taste - sometimes labelled RBD (refined, bleached, deodorised) |
| Scent | Retains natural coconut smell | Virtually odourless and neutral |
| Natural compounds | Retains more of the naturally occurring antioxidant compounds | Processing removes most of these |
"Bleached" here doesn't usually mean the household chemical - it typically refers to filtering through activated clay to remove colour and impurities. But it's still a genuinely more industrial process than simply pressing fresh coconut meat, and it's a real difference, not just a marketing distinction.
Does It Matter for Skin?
Both types are moisturising and generally well tolerated. Virgin coconut oil keeps more of the compounds that get stripped out during refining, along with its natural scent - some people prefer that, others prefer the neutral, scent-free feel of a refined oil. Neither is inherently "better" for every situation, though minimally processed oils are generally preferred in natural skincare formulations specifically because less has been done to them.
One honest caveat worth knowing either way: coconut oil, virgin or refined, is comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores for people prone to breakouts. It tends to suit body and dry skin use better than acne-prone facial skin for some people - worth keeping in mind regardless of which grade you choose.
How to Tell Which One You're Buying
- Check the front of the label for words like "virgin," "extra virgin," "cold-pressed" or "unrefined" - these indicate the less-processed version
- The ingredient list itself won't tell you - both virgin and refined coconut oil are listed under the same INCI name, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, so front-of-pack wording is what actually distinguishes them
- A natural coconut scent is a reasonable (though not foolproof) sign of a virgin, less-processed oil
- "White coconut oil" on its own, with no other qualifier, is worth double-checking - it may be describing the solid state rather than the refined version, so look for "refined" specifically if that's what you're trying to avoid
What We Use in Ashleigh's Body Butter
We use organic, virgin, unrefined coconut oil - deliberately. It's the less processed option, it keeps more of what coconut oil naturally has to offer, and it fits with keeping the whole formula to two ingredients and nothing else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is some coconut oil white and solid, and some clear and liquid?
Coconut oil melts at around 24°C (76°F). Below that temperature it's solid and opaque white; above it, it's a clear liquid. This applies to virgin and refined coconut oil equally - it's simply temperature, not a sign of processing.
What does "RBD" coconut oil mean?
RBD stands for refined, bleached and deodorised. It describes coconut oil that's been processed with alkali treatment, clay filtration and high heat to remove its natural scent, taste and colour, typically made from dried coconut meat (copra).
Is refined coconut oil bad for skin?
Not necessarily - it's generally well tolerated. It simply retains fewer of the natural compounds found in unrefined coconut oil, and lacks the natural scent. Virgin coconut oil is usually preferred in natural skincare because it's been through less processing.
How can I tell if a coconut oil is virgin or refined?
Check the front of the label for words like "virgin," "cold-pressed" or "unrefined." The ingredient list itself uses the same name (Cocos Nucifera Oil) for both, so it won't tell you which grade you're buying.
The Bottom Line
"White coconut oil" often just means solid coconut oil at room temperature - true of virgin and refined oil alike. The real difference is between virgin/unrefined and refined ("RBD") coconut oil, which comes down to how much processing it's been through and how much of its natural character survives. If minimal processing matters to you, look for "virgin" or "unrefined" on the front of the label, not the ingredient list.
Sources
- Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA), "Cosmetic Product Ingredient Labelling"
This article is for general information only. Ashleigh's Organics Body Butter is a cosmetic product and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition.