Are you searching for a versatile skincare ingredient that can address multiple beauty needs? Look no further than Coconut oil! This tropical treasure has taken the beauty world by storm, offering promises of nourished skin and lustrous hair. Beyond its culinary appeal, Coconut oil has gained recognition for its incredible benefits as both a dietary supplement and a skincare essential.
Is coconut oil good or bad for the skin? Well, it depends. Coconut oil can have both positive and negative effects on the skin, and it's important to understand how it may affect you personally.
Join us as we embark on an exploration of the diverse types of Coconut oil, unveiling the best-suited option for your unique skin and dietary needs. So, grab your Coconuts, and let's plunge into the enchanting world of Coconut oil!
Coconut oil for cooking, haircare, lipcare, and inflammatory conditions
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) Oil are both derived from Coconut oil, but they differ in terms of composition, production methods, and applications. Here are the key differences between the two:
Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is extracted from the meat of fresh Coconuts. It can be expeller-pressed (a machine presses the oil from coconut flesh, often with the use of heat) or cold-pressed (the oil is pressed without use of heat and this method helps retaining more nutrients). It maintains the natural aroma and flavor of Coconuts and contains a range of fatty acids, including a high content of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) like Lauric acid, a highly effective anti-inflammatory and moderately anti-acne agent. VCO solidifies around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (~24 degrees Celsius); it has a very high comedogenic rating and it may clog pores.
- Cooking
- Oil pulling
- Soaps
- Lip balms
- Hair oils
- To help control acne-causing bacteria
- To reduce inflammation from acne and eczema
Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a type of fatty acids found in various natural sources, including Coconut oil. MCTs are shorter in length compared to long-chain fatty acids, making them easier to digest and rapidly absorbed by the body.
Applications
- Dietary supplement in ketogenic diets
Coconut oil types for face and body
Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT), and Coco Caprylate/Caprate are all types of coconut oil derivatives, but they differ in terms of their composition, production methods, and uses. Let's explore the differences between these three:
Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) is a modified form of Coconut oil obtained through a process called fractionation, a process that removes long-chain fatty acids, leaving behind medium-chain fatty acids and triglycerides. FCO is usually in a liquid state, even at lower temperatures, and it has a long shelf life compared to virgin Coconut oil. It has a very low Lauric acid content.
Applications
- Body massage oil (very smooth and light texture).
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT) is a specific type of MCT oil that consists of Caprylic acid (C8) and Capric acid (C10) triglycerides. It is obtained by removing and isolating fatty acids from the oil as Caprylic acid, then combining these pure fatty acids with Glycerin to make Capric or caprylic triglyceride. It has a light, non-greasy texture, excellent spreadability, and helps enhance the absorption and delivery of other active ingredients in skincare products. CCT has a low comedogenic rating but a very low Lauric acid content.
Applications
Non-greasy emollient for:
- Face oils
- Moisturizers
- Serums
- Cleansers
- Exfoliants
- Make-up removers
LULUR, KORU, SOLE, are formulated with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Applications
Non-greasy emollient and texture enhancer for:
- Moisturizers
- Creamy Face masks
- Serums
- Hair Conditioners
Coconut oil is indeed a superstar ingredient both as skincare and as dietary supplement. It's a skin softening, soothing and nourishing hero, a natural defender, a makeup meltdown master and a great anti-inflammatory. However, it's important to be mindful of its comedogenic nature and use the correct type for your skin type and condition.
If you skin is prone to oiliness and breakouts, look for products formulated with a very low concentration of Virgin Coconut oil or opt for skincare formulated with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride or Coco Caprylate/Caprate.
Embrace the tropical goodness of coconut oil and let your skin and hair soak up the benefits. Remember, when life gives you coconuts, make your beauty routine a beachside paradise!
References:
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1 | Coconut oil and palm oil's role in nutrition, health and national development: A review
3 | In vitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of Virgin coconut oil
