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Shea Butter vs. Coconut Oil: Which Is Better for Your Skin?

Publish Date: Jul 28, 2025 • Written by: Marketing

coconut with a bottle of coconut oil

In the world of natural skincare, shea butter and coconut oil are two of the most talked-about moisturizers, and for good reason. They’re both rich in nutrients, widely available, and versatile enough to use from head to toe. But when it comes to picking one for your skin, the question often comes up: which is actually better?

The short answer? It depends on your skin type, your needs, and how your skin reacts to each one. Let’s break it all down so you can make the best choice for your skin.

What Is Shea Butter?

Shea butter is a fat extracted from the nuts of the Vitellaria paradoxa tree, native to West Africa. Traditionally used for centuries in African skincare, it’s a thick, creamy substance that melts when applied to the skin and delivers intense hydration.

Skin Benefits of Shea Butter:

  • Deep moisturization: Packed with oleic, stearic, and linoleic acids, which help soften and smooth dry skin.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Calms redness, flaking, and irritation, ideal for eczema, dermatitis, and rosacea.
  • Healing support: Encourages skin regeneration and can fade scars, stretch marks, and dark spots over time.
  • Natural sun protection: Offers a small amount of UV protection (SPF 3–4), though not a substitute for sunscreen.
  • Non-comedogenic: Has a comedogenic rating of 0–2, making it less likely to clog pores.

Best for: Dry, sensitive, inflamed, or compromised skin.

What Is Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is derived from the meat of mature coconuts. It's solid at room temperature and turns into a silky oil when warmed. While it’s widely used in both skincare and cooking, its skincare benefits are especially popular for body care and hair hydration.

Skin Benefits of Coconut Oil:

  • Antibacterial and antifungal: Rich in lauric acid, which helps fight acne-causing bacteria and fungal infections.
  • Moisture retention: Creates an occlusive layer that locks in hydration.
  • Soothing: Great for soothing sunburns, chafing, and minor skin irritations.
  • Multipurpose: Works as a makeup remover, lip balm, shaving oil, and massage oil.

Coconut oil has a comedogenic rating of 4, meaning it can clog pores, especially on oily or acne-prone skin.

Best for: Normal to dry skin, or for use on the body and hair rather than the face.

Which One Is Better for Moisturizing?

  • Shea butter is a superior emollient, meaning it penetrates deeper and restores the skin barrier from within. It’s ideal for long-lasting hydration, especially in dry climates or during the harmattan.
  • Coconut oil acts more as an occlusive; it locks in moisture but doesn’t hydrate on its own. It works well after applying a lotion or butter, but may not be enough for very dry skin by itself.

If you’re looking for lasting softness and repair, shea butter wins here.

Which One Is Better for Acne-Prone or Sensitive Skin?

This is where things get tricky.

  • Shea butter is non-comedogenic, gentle, and anti-inflammatory, making it ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. It soothes redness, reduces flakiness, and won’t clog pores when used in moderation.
  • Coconut oil, on the other hand, can clog pores and cause breakouts on the face, especially if you already struggle with oily skin or acne. However, some people with dry, non-reactive skin tolerate it well.

Winner for facial use: Shea butter. Coconut oil is better suited for the body, lips, or dry patches, not as a face cream.

Which One Feels Better on the Skin?

  • Coconut oil absorbs quickly and leaves a light, glossy finish, great if you want something fast and easy post-shower.
  • Shea butter takes longer to absorb and can feel heavy at first, but it delivers longer-lasting results and protects the skin barrier better over time.

Tip: If you don’t like heavy textures, try whipped shea butter; it’s airier and easier to apply.

Can You Use Both Together?

Absolutely! Many people blend shea butter and coconut oil in DIY body butters, balms, and hair treatments.

Here’s how:

  • Shea butter = deep moisture + skin repair
  • Coconut oil = added slip + moisture seal

Using them together gives you the richness of shea butter with the smooth glide of coconut oil.

DIY combo idea: Mix shea butter, coconut oil, a few drops of vitamin E, and lavender essential oil for an all-purpose whipped butter.

Which One Should You Choose?

It comes down to what your skin needs:

Choose shea butter if you:

  • Have dry, irritated, or sensitive skin
  • Struggle with eczema, stretch marks, or flaking
  • Want deep repair and barrier protection
  • Need a non-comedogenic option for your face

Choose coconut oil if you:

  • Have normal to dry skin (not acne-prone)
  • Want a fast-absorbing oil for body or hair
  • Prefer a lighter texture or natural makeup remover
  • Need an antibacterial moisturizer for small wounds or sunburns

Or better yet, use both, but tailor them to different parts of your routine.

Still not sure whether shea butter or coconut oil is right for you? At Beyond MedPlus, we carry a wide selection of pure, ethically sourced shea butter, cold-pressed coconut oil, and blended formulas that give you the best of both worlds. Our skincare shelves are stocked with nature’s best, backed by expert advice. Stop by any of our stores or shop online to find your skin’s perfect match.