Coconut oil has a higher smoke point than MCT oil, making it more suitable for cooking. The antibacterial and hydrating properties of coconut oil also make it beneficial for beauty and skin care.
Lauric acid in MCT oil has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and can effectively treat skin diseases, improve gut health, and reduce the growth of oral bacteria.
MCT oil is a concentration of MCTs from one of several sources, while coconut oil comes from coconuts and contains a good source of MCTs. MCT oil may be more beneficial for boosting weight loss and providing energy, while coconut oil is useful for cooking and beauty applications.
MCT oil IS more likely to clog your pores due to it's comedogenic properties. So, while it can be effective for CBD oil meant for ingesting, it is not ideal for face care. A non-clogging (non-comedogenic) oil is going to be a much better carrier for a skincare-focused CBD product.
And it works for all skin types! I love applying it before bed and feeling how soft my skin is in the morning. Simply apply 1-4 drops directly to your skin, or add 1-4 drops per application to your favorite moisturizer to relieve dryness.
MCTs Have Anti-Microbial Properties
The acids that make up MCTs, particularly lauric acid, found in larger quantities in coconut oil, are known for their anti-microbial properties. MCT oil has been studied as an effective topical treatment for acne and other minor skin irritations.
For personal care, it can be applied to the skin for face and body care. Can be used on all skin types and is excellent for mature, dry-damaged skin. May also be used as a massage oil.”
It's Good for Your Hair and Skin Like coconut oil, MCT oil is good for skin and hair, providing a natural moisturizer and helping detangle hair. Furthermore, it can be used to treat dandruff.
MCT oil can help with dry skin because it's a fatty moisturizer that mimics the consistency of fat lipids in the skin. This is beneficial for people who suffer from severe flaking and itching on their skin's surface.
MCTs have been shown to have antimicrobial and antifungal effects ( 29 , 30 , 31). Coconut oil, which contains numerous MCTs, has been shown in an older in-vitro study to reduce the growth of Candida albicans by 25%.
Replace conventional oils with MCT, or use it along with regular coconut oil and/or butter (half and half). You can sub out about 1/4 to 1/3 of the coconut oil for MCT oil instead. This makes for more nutritional baking!
The main difference between MCT oil vs coconut oil is that MCT oil is made of medium-chain fatty acids, while coconut oil is made of medium and long-chain fatty acids.
Coconut oil has properties that can help protect and repair the barrier of your skin. While coconut oil works to seal in moisture, some people may find it too oily or clogging to use on their face. Goldstein advises using this type of oil on areas without too much hair and to apply just enough.
How Can You Use MCT Oil? MCT oil is one of the few safe oils you can use when treating seborrheic dermatitis. MCT oil is applied topically to the affected area of the skin and scalp. Importantly, you should select an MCT oil product that does not contain lauric fatty acids, as this may negate any possible benefits.
Research suggests that MCT oil may help ease or even prevent inflammatory responses through substances secreted by cells called cytokines. MCT oil was shown to boost the number of anti-inflammatory cytokines while lowering the amount of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
One such study looked at the effects of coconut oil in rats and found faster healing time for wounds. Researchers attributed this to increased collagen components from the coconut oil. Collagen itself is important in creating skin elasticity. In fact, this is what makes your skin firmer and wrinkle-free.
Jojoba oil mimics sebum, which is the skin's natural oil. Because jojoba oil absorbs easily and does not clog the pores, it is a great carrier option. Plus, it leaves the skin hydrated without an undesirable shiny effect. Olive oil is high in plenty of essential vitamins and minerals.
Yes, you can use coconut oil on your face every day and night. All you need to wash your face, dry it, and apply a small amount of coconut oil on your face at night and every morning.
MCT oil is a dietary supplement that is made up of MCT fats, which are fats that can be found in coconut oil, palm kernel oil, and dairy products. MCT oil is mainly used by people looking to lose weight, or boost their endurance during a workout.
Side Effects
MCTs are safe for most people when taken by mouth or given intravenously (by IV). They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, irritability, nausea, stomach discomfort, intestinal gas, essential fatty acid deficiency, and other side effects.
Refrigerate your MCT oil
Storing the MCT oil in the refrigerator is great for its storage. This way, you'll prevent it from sunlight and heat as well. However, make sure that your MCT oil bottle is airtight and always tightly capped during storage.
The oil may therefore help combat Malassezia. Research published in 2008 found that coconut oil in adults was helpful for treating both eczema and fungus at the same time. Since Malassezia is a fungus, using the oil can help decrease the amount of these organisms on your scalp and any related dandruff issues.
Coconut oil is made from copra, the kernel or meat of coconuts. It's the richest natural source of MCTs — they comprise about 54% of the fat in copra. Coconut oil naturally contains MCTs, namely 42% lauric acid, 7% caprylic acid, and 5% capric acid ( 10 ).