Alex from Germany asks…I use a so called “nipple cream” on my ends and to do a pre-wash treatment once in a while. There are two different brands: Is the Cocos Nucifera Oil more likely to penetrate into the hair than the Hydrogenated Coconut Oil? What is the difference? I prefer version one as it has Coco on top of the list (and contains some other nice things as well), but if this doesn’t penetrate into the hair, it won’t be that useful, what do you think?
The Right Brain responds:
Here are the ingredient lists from both of products Alex’s products (she didn’t provide us with the names:)
Nipple cream #1 ingredients
Hydrogenated Coconut Oil
Lanolin
Butyrosperum Parkii Butter
Cera Alba
Simmondsia Chinensis Oil
Tocopherol
Nipple cream #2 ingredients
Lanolin
Cocos Nucifera Oil
Buxus Chinensis
Tocopherol
The Amazing Alchemist (one of favorite Forum fans) provided this handy explanation of hydrogenated coconut oil: “When an oil is hydrogenated the unsaturated fats (those with double carbon bond) are converted to saturated fats. In coconut oil about 8% of the fats are unsaturated. This increase the melting point; coconut oil melts around 24°C (76 °F) where as Hydrogenated Coconut oil will be any where from 35 to 40°C. Given that the process of hydrogenation has only changed a small part of the coconut oil, it’s unlikely the perfomance on the haire will be significantly different to the hydrogenated form.”
We’ll just add that based on the ingredient list, these formulas appear to be quite similar. If both feel good on your hair, we’d recommend buying the cheapest one.
Image credit: http://neweyes.atlblogs.com/archives/baby%20bottle.bmp
If you’d like to join Alex in treating your hair with Nipple Cream 
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Hmmm… but is this this same for use as skincare? I use Virgin Coconut Oil as an all over body moisturizer and I know one of the things that make it great is the proponent of natural Lactic Acid that helps to exfoliate the skin. If Hydrogenated Coconut oil is used, does that effect the lactic acid content or other skincare benefits?
@Zuleikha: I’m a little confused by your question. Coconut oil doesn’t contain lactic acid. (It contains lauric, among others.)
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