Can You Use MCT Oil For Skin Care? Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects
Can You Use MCT Oil For Skin Care? Benefits, Uses, & Side Effects

MCT oil has become a popular functional food and supplement for supporting metabolic health, a keto diet, energy, cognitive function, and overall health.

It’s also popping up in DIY skin care recipes, influencer and celebrity beauty regimes, and clean skin care products.

So, what are the benefits of MCT oil for skin? Are there any side effects? And how do you use it?

We’ll cover all this and more in this MCT oil for skin care primer.

What is MCT Oil?

MCT oil is a type of fat from coconuts, palm, or dairy.

MCT is an acronym for medium chain triglycerides, a type of saturated fat made up of caproic acid (C6) and caprylic acid (C8).

These two triglycerides have been shown to potentially benefit metabolic function, weight loss, energy, exercise performance, and neurological function.

MCT oil also has natural antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.

Coconut oil is the most common source of MCT oil because it is naturally rich in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) such as caproic acid (C6), Caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12).

MCT oil is extracted from coconut or palm oil and is a more processed product.

Many people prefer MCT oil over coconut oil because it is liquid at room temperature, has a neutral flavor, and contains concentrated levels of caprylic and caproic acid, which have specific health benefits.

MCT oil also has many potential benefits for skin health, which we’ll discuss next.

Benefits of MCT Oil For Skin

MCT oil has become a trendy skincare ingredient, with people raving about its hydrating, skin-soothing, and skin-clearing benefits.

It’s also non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types, including oily skin.

Here are seven skin benefits of MCT oil.

1. MCT Oil Is Hydrating

MCT oil is ultra-hydrating and fast-absorbing, making it ideal for dry skin and promoting healthy skin barrier function.

To use: Apply a couple of drops to your face, alone or combined with your favorite skin care oil moisturizer, like Desert Essence Restorative Facial Oil or Moisturizing Ceramide Cream.

For your body, add a few drops of MCT oil to your favorite body oil, like Desert Essence Coconut Jojoba Oil or Jojoba Almond Oil Body Spray, and massage it in.

2. MCT Oil is Calming And Soothing

If you have sensitive skin, inflamed skin, or certain skin conditions, MCT may help.

As a naturally rich source of antioxidants and hydrating fatty acids, MCT oil may help calm and soothe sensitive skin or minor skin irritations.

There is also evidence that coconut oil can help calm inflamed skin, such as dermatitis or eczema.

Although more research is needed, anecdotal evidence suggests coconut or MCT oil may be helpful for these types of skin conditions.

Always check with your dermatologist before applying new products to your skin.

To use: Apply a few drops of MCT oil to your face alone, or mixed with your favorite moisturizer, such as Desert Essence Moisturizing Ceramide Cream, or facial oil.

For the body, apply directly to the affected area, or blend with your favorite sensitive-skin-friendly body oil, like Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil or Jojoba, Coconut, & Chamomile Body Oil Spray.

Related reading: Summer Skin Care Tips For Sensitive Skin

3. MCT Oil May Benefit Oily Or Blemish-Prone Skin

MCT oil may offer several benefits for oily, combination, or blemish-prone skin.

  1. It’s fast-absorbed and won’t leave an oily residue on the face
  2. It’s ultra-hydrating, which may help balance out sebum production if skin is dry
  3. It has natural antimicrobial properties, which may have a clarifying effect on skin
  4. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores

To use:

Some people use MCT oil as a spot-treatment for blemishes, while others combine it with their favorite facial oil.

You can also add a couple of drops to your face mask or favorite cleanser, Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Deep Pore Cleanser.

MCT oil can be applied in the same way for body acne, including on the back, shoulders, chest, and neck.

4. MCT Oil May Help Treat Skin Fungus

Although more research is needed, animal studies and additional studies on coconut oil suggest MCT oil may help treat skin fungal conditions.

It can be tried alone or combined with other natural antifungals, like Tea Tree Oil.

To use: 

Apply MCT oil directly to the affected area, cover with a bandage, and repeat several times daily.

Seek medical attention if it worsens or does not clear up within a few days.

5. MCT Oil May Benefit Mature Skin

MCT oil’s hydrating and antioxidant properties may be beneficial for mature skin.

Antioxidants help scavenge free radicals, unstable molecules that cause inflammation and signs of aging.

Its moisturizing properties can also help mature skin appear plumper, dewy, and more radiant.

To use:

Apply a few drops to your skin morning and night with your favorite moisturizer, like Desert Essence Moisturizing Ceramide Cream, Restorative Face Oil, or Daily Essential Facial Moisturizer.

Related reading: 6 Facial Treatments to Power Your Beauty Routine

MCT Oil Versus Coconut Oil For Skin: Which is Better For Skin?

Coconut oil and MCT oil both have various benefits for skin.

However, the best one for your skin depends on your skin type, concerns, and goals.

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each.

Coconut Oil Pros For Skin:

  • It’s ultra-rich and hydrating, making it ideal for very dry skin, hair, and scalp
  • It has a more extended history of traditional use and has been more studied than MCT oil
  • Has been shown to be helpful for eczema, dermatitis, and fungal skin infections
  • It’s generally less expensive than MCT oil and more widely available
  • Organic, sustainably sourced varieties are available
  • Organic coconut oil is generally more economical than MCT oil
  • It’s a less processed product

Coconut Oil Cons For Skin:

  • It’s more greasy than MCT oil and doesn’t absorb as quickly
  • It’s more comedogenic (potentially pore-clogging) than MCT oil, making it possibly unsuitable for oily or blemish-prone skin 
  • Note: Many people swear by coconut oil for clearing up breakouts, while others feel it makes their skin worse.
  • It’s solid at room temperature, which can make it more challenging to combine with other ingredients or use in DIY recipes
  • It smells like coconut, which may or may not be a perk depending on your preferences
  • Non-organic or unsustainably sourced coconut oil may not be environmentally or socially responsible

MCT Oil Pros For Skin:

  • It’s hydrating, light-weight, and fast-absorbing
  • It’s easy to combine with other oils and skin care products
  • It’s non-comedogenic, making it suitable for all skin types
  • It may help with inflammatory skin conditions, but research is limited
  • It’s liquid at room temperature and odorless, making it easy to combine with other skin oils or use in DIY recipes
  • Organic, sustainably sourced varieties are available

MCT Oil Cons For Skin:

  • It’s more expensive than coconut oil
  • It’s less studied than coconut oil
  • It may be sourced from palm, which is typically not a sustainable or environmentally/socially responsible resource
  • It does not contain the same variety of essential fatty acids as coconut oil, and therefore, may not have comparable benefits for certain skin issues
  • It’s a more processed product than coconut oil

The good news is, both these products are natural and gentle, so you can experiment to see which works best for your skin care needs.

Side Effects of MCT Oil For Skin

Although most people can use MCT oil without side effects, some report skin redness or irritation after the first few applications.

If this happens, consider diluting it with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba, and observe the effects.

Since MCT oil usually comes from coconut, it may not be suitable for people with coconut allergies.

Check with your dermatologist for individual recommendations.

MCT Oil For Skin FAQs

Q: Is MCT oil safe for all skin types?

A: Yes, MCT oil is generally considered safe for all skin types, including sensitive and inflamed skin.

However, as with all new skin care products, test on a small skin patch to see how you react before doing a full application. Additionally, some people may tolerate certain oils on their body but not their face. As mentioned, test on a small area first.

Q: Is MCT oil non-comedogenic?

A: Yes, MCT oil is non-comedogenic, which may make it beneficial for oily or blemish-prone skin.

Q: Can MCT oil help with eczema?

A: Despite plenty of anecdotal evidence, there is no formal evidence that MCT oil helps with eczema.

However, there is evidence that coconut oil, which is naturally rich in MCTs and other compounds, does help with eczema and dermatitis.

Check with your dermatologist for individual recommendations.

Q: Where can I buy MCT oil?

A: MCT oil is available in natural foods stores, online, and in various clean and conventional skin care products.

Q: Can I use MCT oil on my hair?

Yes! MCT oil, either alone or combined with Jojoba or Coconut, can make an ultra-hydrating and soothing hair and scalp treatment.

Looking For Clean Skin, Body, and Hair Care That Works? Check Out Desert Essence

MCT oil offers many potential benefits for skin health, alone or combined with other natural plant oils or clean skin care products.

Desert Essence offers a wide range of 100% pure, sustainably-sourced plant oils—including MCT-rich coconut, for skin, body, and hair.

Some of our popular skin care products that complement or contain MCT include:

References Mentioned In This Article:

  • “Mechanisms of action for the medium-chain triglyceride ketogenic diet in neurological and metabolic disorders”. The Lancet Neurology.
  • “The Effects of Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil Supplementation on Endurance Performance and Substrate Utilization in Healthy Populations: A Systematic Review”. J Obes Metab Syndr.
  • “Weight-loss diet that includes consumption of medium-chain triacylglycerol oil leads to a greater rate of weight and fat mass loss than does olive oil”. Am J Clin Nutr.
  • “Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Health: The Potential Beneficial Effects of a Medium Chain Triglyceride Diet in Obese Individuals”. Nutrients.
  • “Antimicrobial effects of virgin coconut oil and its medium-chain fatty acids on Clostridium difficile”. J Med Food.
  • “Antibiofilm and antifungal activities of medium‐chain fatty acids against Candida albicans via mimicking of the quorum‐sensing molecule farnesol”. Microbial Biotechnology.
  • “Alternative, Complementary, and Forgotten Remedies for Atopic Dermatitis”. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM.
  • “Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils”. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
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