Coconut oil and sesame oil are versatile oils that find applications beyond the culinary world. Based on QYR Research, the global sesame oil market size was valued at USD 4 billion in 2022, almost on par with coconut oil market size at USD 4.9 billion.
From skincare and cosmetics to biofuel and industrial uses, these oils demonstrate their importance in various sectors. Both oils, coconut oil with its tropical aroma and abundance of medium-chain triglycerides, and sesame oil with its distinct flavour and potential health benefits, find versatile applications in skincare, pharmaceuticals, culinary, and other industries. Let’s explore the diverse uses and characteristics of these two remarkable oils.
Coconut Oil vs Sesame Oil: Chemical Profile & Origin
Coconut oil is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts and has a distinctive composition that sets it apart from other oils. On the other hand, sesame oil is derived from sesame seeds, which are the small seeds of the Sesamum indicum plant. Please see the fatty acid comparisons below.
| Fatty Acid | Coconut Oil (%) | Sesame oil (%) |
| C6 (Caproic acid) | ~0.5 | ~0.0 |
| C8 (Caprylic acid) | ~7.0 | ~0.0 |
| C10 (Capric acid) | ~9.0 | ~0.0 |
| C12 (Lauric acid) | ~49.0 | ~0.0 |
| C14 (Myristic acid) | ~16.5 | ~0.1 |
| C16 (Palmitic acid) | ~8.0 | 7 – 10 |
| C16:1 (Palmitoleic acid) | ~0 | 0.1 – 0.2 |
| C18 (Stearic acid) | ~2.5 | 4 – 6 |
| C18:1 (Oleic acid) | ~5.8 | 33 – 44 |
| C18:2 (Linoleic acid) | ~1.8 | 40 – 50 |
| C18:3 (Linolenic acid) | ~0.2 | 0.3 – 0.5 |
| C22 (Behenic acid) | ~0.0 | ~0.3 |
| C24 (Lignoceric acid) | ~0.0 | ~0.3 |
Coconut Oil: Saturated with medium-chain fatty acid
Coconut oil is rich in saturated fats, containing primarily medium-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid. The oil is well known for its antimicrobial properties.
Coconut oil, historically utilized in tropical regions like Southeast Asia where the coconut palm is native, has a rich heritage dating back to 4,000 BC, when it was embraced by the Indus Valley civilization for various purposes. The ancient Egyptians valued this versatile oil not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. Over the centuries, coconut oil has retained its essential role in traditional practices within these regions, exemplifying its enduring worth and cultural importance.
Sesame oil: Rich in Oleic & Linoleic Fatty Acid
Sesame oil is rich in various fatty acids, with oleic acid and linoleic acid being the primary ones, contributing to its potential health benefits and distinctive flavor. This characteristic is typical to other seed oils such as corn oil, sunflower oil, and peanut oil.
Sesame oil has its origin in sesame seeds, which are obtained from the Sesamum indicum plant. Native to East Africa and India, sesame seeds have been cultivated for thousands of years and have become a staple in various cuisines around the world. Beyond culinary use, sesame oil had cultural and religious significance. It was commonly used in oil lamps for lighting, particularly during religious ceremonies and festivals. Additionally, sesame oil was valued for its medicinal properties and was used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits. Sesame oil’s long history and widespread use make it a cherished ingredient in both traditional and modern cooking practices.
Food Industry: Coconut Oil vs Sesame Oil
Both coconut oil and sesame oil find versatile applications in the food industry, influencing not only home-cooked meals but also restaurants, fast food chains, and processed food products. Coconut oil’s tropical aroma and high smoke point make it a popular choice for frying and sautéing in restaurants and fast food chains, enhancing the flavors of various dishes. Its creamy texture and subtle coconut flavor contribute to the creation of delectable desserts and bakery items. In processed foods, coconut oil serves as a stable and natural fat source in products like snacks, granola bars, and dairy alternatives.
On the other hand, sesame oil’s distinctive nutty taste and lower smoke point are well-suited for adding flavor to various cuisines. Restaurants often use sesame oil as a finishing oil in salads, stir-fries, and Asian dishes, enhancing the overall taste profile. In processed foods, sesame oil might be used in dressings, marinades, and specialty sauces, giving products a unique and flavorful touch. The versatility of both oils has made them indispensable in the food industry, adding their own distinct essence and contributing to the diverse array of culinary delights served worldwide.
Cosmetic and Personal Care Industry
In today’s cosmetic and personal care industry, which one is better: coconut oil vs sesame oil? Both coconut oil and sesame oil offer unique benefits in various products, each harnessing specific compounds to enhance skincare routines. Coconut oil’s abundance of lauric acid, along with C8 and C10 MCTs, makes it a prized ingredient in moisturizers and lotions due to its deep hydrating and nourishing properties. Its antimicrobial characteristics from monolaurin make it an excellent addition to products like cleansers and deodorants, offering gentle cleansing and odor-fighting effects. Additionally, coconut oil’s medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as C8 and C10, act as great carrier oils for other active ingredients, promoting better absorption and efficacy.
On the other hand, sesame oil’s rich source of linoleic acid makes it a valuable component in facial oils and serums, known for its ability to balance and soothe the skin, particularly for acne-prone or sensitive skin types. Its antioxidant properties from sesamin and sesamol give it anti-inflammatory benefits, making sesame oil an ideal choice for calming and rejuvenating skincare products. Both coconut oil and sesame oil bring their unique compounds to the forefront in the cosmetic and personal care industry, providing natural and effective solutions for a wide range of skincare needs.
Biofuel Industry: Coconut Oil vs Sesame Oil
In the realm of biofuel production, the choice between coconut oil and sesame oil hinges on their differing fatty acid content. Coconut oil predominantly consists of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid, while sesame oil is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like linoleic acid. The divergent fatty acid profiles lead to contrasting characteristics in their use as biofuels.
Coconut oil’s MCTs offer excellent stability and higher energy content, making it a favorable option for biodiesel production, as it exhibits better combustion properties and reduced carbon emissions. Conversely, sesame oil’s abundance of PUFAs lends it a potential edge in the development of advanced biofuels, wherein the unsaturated nature of these acids could facilitate enhanced cold-flow properties and lower viscosity. Ultimately, the selection between the two oils in biofuel applications must be driven by the specific requirements and priorities of the given context.
Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, the choice between coconut oil and sesame oil relies on their divergent fatty acid compositions. These contrasting fatty acid profiles influence their suitability for different pharmaceutical applications.
Coconut oil’s MCTs are renowned for their stability and ease of absorption, making it a favored option as a carrier oil in various drug formulations, ensuring efficient delivery of therapeutic compounds. Monolaurin derived from coconut oil has shown promise in fighting various bacterial, viral, and fungal infections, making it an essential ingredient in certain antiviral and antibacterial medications.
Conversely, sesame oil’s abundance of PUFAs imparts potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may be advantageous for certain pharmaceutical products designed to target inflammation or oxidative stress. Recently, sesame oil-based medications have been explored for their potential in managing inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and skin disorders.
Both lauric acid (from coconut oil) and PUFAs (from sesame oil) have shown anti-inflammatory potential, but they may work through different mechanisms. Lauric acid exerts its anti-inflammatory effects through its antimicrobial properties. It can combat certain pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. By reducing the presence of these pathogens, lauric acid indirectly mitigates inflammation associated with microbial infections.
PUFAs, particularly omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, modulate inflammation through their influence on the production of eicosanoids, which are signalling molecules involved in the inflammatory process.
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil and certain plant sources, can give rise to anti-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E3 series and resolvins, which help to dampen inflammation and promote resolution of inflammatory responses.
On the other hand, omega-6 fatty acids, present in various vegetable oils, can lead to the production of pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, such as prostaglandin E2 series and leukotrienes, which can exacerbate inflammation. Maintaining a balance between omega-3 and omega-6 intake is crucial for optimal inflammatory response regulation in the body.
Industrial Applications
In industrial applications, the choice between coconut oil and sesame oil for machinery liquids, such as lubricants and paints, is influenced by their differing fatty acid content. Coconut oil, rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), offers exceptional stability and high resistance to oxidation, making it well-suited for lubricants. MCT-based lubricants can efficiently reduce friction and wear in machinery, prolonging equipment life.
Furthermore, coconut oil-derived MCTs are utilized in certain water-based paints and coatings due to their ability to form stable emulsions and improve paint adhesion. On the other hand, sesame oil, with its abundance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), provides an alternative for machinery lubricants requiring better viscosity at lower temperatures, where PUFAs can enhance cold-flow properties. Moreover, PUFAs also contributes its potential as a base material for paints, varnishes, and other surface coatings, due to its ability to enhance polymerization and film-forming characteristics.
Additionally, sesame oil-based paints may find application in certain industrial settings due to PUFA’s potential to improve polymerization and film-forming characteristics. In conclusion, the selection of coconut oil or sesame oil for industrial applications depends on the specific requirements and performance needs of machinery liquids, with MCTs being advantageous for stability and oxidation resistance, while PUFAs offer benefits in certain low-temperature scenarios and paint formulations.
Animal Feed Industry
In the realm of animal feed application, the choice between coconut oil and sesame oil centers on their divergent fatty acid content. Coconut oil, abundant in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like lauric acid, offers a highly digestible and energy-dense source of fat for livestock. MCTs in coconut oil are easily absorbed and metabolized, providing a quick energy boost to animals. Additionally, coconut oil’s lauric acid possesses antimicrobial properties, potentially promoting gut health in animals.
On the other hand, sesame oil, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as linoleic acid, can contribute to a well-balanced fatty acid profile in animal diets. PUFAs play a crucial role in supporting immune function and promoting healthy skin and coat. According to a study, both coconut oil and sesame oil affect cholesterol absorption in rats.
Soap and Detergent Industry
Coconut oil, with its high lauric acid content, is preferred for producing powerful surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) in soap and detergent applications. These surfactants effectively remove grease and dirt and provide good foaming properties. On the other hand, sesame oil’s unsaturated fatty acids make it less suitable for direct use as a surfactant, but it may find a niche in natural soap formulations for its moisturizing and skin-nourishing properties.
Candle Making Industry
In candle-making, coconut oil’s high content of stable MCTs, like lauric acid, makes it a preferred choice for longer-lasting candles with a pleasant aroma. Sesame oil, with its lower melting point and susceptibility to oxidation due to PUFAs, is less commonly used in this industry.
Bioplastics Industry
In the bioplastic industry, coconut oil, rich in MCTs like lauric acid, is preferred for its potential in producing eco-friendly and thermally stable bioplastics. Sesame oil’s PUFAs make it less suitable due to oxidation and lower thermal stability concerns.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while both coconut oil and sesame oil have their unique properties and applications, coconut oil emerges as the preferred choice for various industries such as candle-making, bioplastics, and animal feed, thanks to its stability, higher energy content, and suitability as a feedstock for producing biodegradable and thermally stable materials. On the other hand, sesame oil’s abundance of PUFAs may find niche applications in areas such as natural soap formulations and pharmaceuticals, where its potential anti-inflammatory and skin-nourishing properties are advantageous. The decision between the two oils ultimately depends on the specific requirements and objectives of each industry or application, allowing for the most suitable and efficient use of these valuable resources.