Coconut oil and palm oil are regularly spoken about in the beauty industry, and if you’re familiar with these products you may have heard of their cousin, MCT oil. But what exactly is MCT oil?
MCT oil is created from Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), which are generally derived from another oil, typically coconut oil, palm oil, or a combination of the two. It is most popularly used as a massage oil in aromatherapy, but can also be used as a general moisturizer for the skin, hair, lips, and nails.
If you want to know all about MCT oil, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be delving into all the key details surrounding this popular carrier oil, including its uses, benefits, appearance, scent, and storage tips!
What is MCT oil made from?
MCT oil is made by isolating MCTs from other types of oil, in most cases coconut oil, palm oil, or a combination of these.
This process involves using fractionation to extract the MCTs from another oil – once this has been carried out, lipase esterification is carried out to produce triglycerides before filtering out the lipase. At this point, the product is either used raw, or can go through a refinement process which may involve, bleaching, deodorizing, and deacidification before being sold to retailers.
MCT oil generally contains caprylic acid and capric acid which naturally occur in oils such as coconut oil and palm oil.
Uses for MCT oil
MCT oil can be used in several different ways within the beauty industry.
One of the most popular uses for MCT oil is in massage and aromatherapy. This is because it is fast absorbing, and doesn’t hold a strong scent, making it perfect for moisturizing the skin and also combining with essential oils.
MCT oil can be used topically in skincare products, as it’s non-greasy and helps to keep the skin hydrated. You may see MCT oil listed as an ingredient within moisturizers, body lotions, and other popular skincare products, or it can be purchased and used alone.
It can be used in hair products as it’s a hydrating oil that won’t weigh down the hair, and can also help to benefit the scalp by treating conditions such as dandruff. It’s also popular when used on the lips and nails as it can help to soften chapped lips and keep cuticles well nourished.
Benefits of MCT oil
We’ve listed below some key benefits of MCT oil to give you a snapshot of why you might want to give this popular carrier oil a try:
- Absorbs quickly into the skin
- Neutral odor
- Suitable for dry and normal skin types – those with oily skin should use it in moderation
- Average comedogenic rating of 2-3
- Indefinite shelf life
- Non-greasy
- May offer antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal benefits
- Anti-inflammatory
- It can help to treat acne and eczema
Appearance and scent of MCT oil
MXT oil is generally pale yellow in appearance, however, it may be colorless if refined as some manufacturers will bleach oils prior to general sale.
It has a neutral scent, with some saying it’s practically odorless. This makes it highly popular with those that prefer an unfragranced oil.
Substitutes for MCT oil
We’ve listed below some substitutes for MCT oil if you’re looking for an alternative:
- Coconut oil
- Palm oil
- Hemp seed oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
Take a look at these carrier oils for some more potential alternatives to MCT oil.
Shelf life and storage for MCT oil
While MCT oil is said to have an indefinite shelf life, it will eventually go bad. However, this can be over 2 years after the manufacture date – always check the label of your MCT oil to make sure it’s still within date when you use it.
MCT oil should be kept in a cool, dark space, away from direct sunlight, to increase its lifespan.
FAQ
Here are some quick frequently asked questions to help you learn more about MCT oil!
MCT oil helps to moisturize and nourish the skin and is popular in massage and aromatherapy because it absorbs quickly into the skin and has a neutral odor. It can be used alone, with other carrier oils, and in combination with essential oils.
It is also highly nourishing for the hair, skin, and nails, so you may see it listed as an ingredient in cosmetics too.
No – while MCT oil and coconut oil are similar, they are not exactly the same. MCT oil is made up of 100% Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) which are a type of saturated fat. It is often sourced from fractionated coconut oil, which is why some believe them to be the same.
Coconut contains MCTs (more specifically lauric acid, caprylic acid, and capric acid, but is only around 54% of its composition. Coconut oil also contains Low-Chain Triglycerides (LCTs) and unsaturated fats.
We delve further into this topic via this article about MCT oil vs. fractionated coconut oil – check it out!
It is not advisable for you to use MCT oil if you have diabetes. This is because MCTs can cause ketones to build up in the body, which is not good for those suffering from diabetes.
MCT oil should also be avoided if you have liver disease, as MCTs are processed by the liver and therefore may not be broken down effectively if you have liver disease.
MCT oil is generally very beneficial for the skin as it contains a number of fatty acids that will help the skin in different ways.
For example, MCT oil contains lauric acid, which is highly beneficial in treating acne-prone skin and irritation as it is antimicrobial. It’s also good for soothing the scalp and keeping fungal conditions and dandruff at bay.
MCT oil can be used on the face and is particularly effective when it comes to combatting acne.
However, it has a comedogenic rating of between 2-3, which may not be best for you if you have oily skin. You may still be able to use MCT oil on your face, but it’s recommended that you only use a minimal amount to avoid clogged pores and potential breakouts.
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