Everyone loves coconut oil, from hair to toes, it is a popular moisturizer used by many, including celebrities like Ariana Grande.

Did you know there’s a better alternative? 

One that’s healthier, one that may actually reduce acne, one that’s better for the hair?

Keep reading to find out all about this magic oil today!

Why Coconut Oil is Not Good for the Face

Coconut oil has amazing benefits, as cooking oil, moisturizer, even in hair!

It is antimicrobial and antioxidant-rich, helping to boost moisture in dry skin and preventing excess water loss, keeping skin plump.

Many people choose to incorporate it into their skincare routine.

There is a big drawback to coconut oil, however.

Coconut oil is highly comedogenic, meaning it tends to block the pores of the skin.

Coconut oil applied to the face does not absorb well. Instead, it forms a layer that traps dirt, germs, and other impurities in the skin, leading to blackheads, acne, and breakouts.

Coconut oil is also not recommended for individuals with oily skin.

Because it does not absorb, it will trap oils the body produces, causing more acne.

What oil should you use instead?

There is an amazing alternative to coconut oil with all the benefits and none of the drawbacks!

Introducing MCT oil.

MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of healthy saturated fat.

You can say it’s a purer form of coconut oil. In fact, coconut oil is composed of about 65% MCTs.

Because of this composition, MCT oil is liquid at every temperature, unlike coconut which becomes solid and lower temperatures.

MCTs are the main reason coconut oil is so rich in nutrition.

When consumed, the body uses them as energy quickly, acting like carbohydrates do, fueling cells and muscles.

This is used in coffee to reduce hunger, boost energy, and increase focus.

Some studies have even linked its consumption to a decrease in heart disease, though these studies were small and have to be done on a larger scale.

MCT oil is truly a refined, purer form of coconut oil.

MCT is also where coconut oil gets its antimicrobial effects.

MCT Oil Benefits on the Skin

Unlike coconut oil, MCT oil is a lightweight moisturizer, rich in antimicrobial properties and antioxidants.

It is even used as a popular moisturizing agent in many skincare products (marked as caprylic/capric triglycerides).

Best of all, MCT oil has smaller particles and absorbs into the skin better, leading to fewer breakouts, acne, and blackheads.

MCT oil can be used by individuals with acne-prone skin, as its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can soothe the skin and reduce breakouts.

MCT Oil and Hair

MCT oil can also be used as a moisturizer for the hair.

The fatty acids it has to make optimal conditions for the scalp and nails.

It is lightweight and deeply conditioning, making it great for reducing frizz and dandruff, and increasing moisture in dryer hair types.

The antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties may also help hair grow stronger and fast.

The Takeaway

Coconut oil is a very nutritious oil used in cooking and as a moisturizer in many hair and body products.

Coconut oil is not highly recommended as a facial oil due to its large particles that do not absorb while and may clog the pores of the skin.

Many who have struggled with coconut oil in the past can enjoy the benefits without the pore-clogging properties by using MCT oil.

Everyone is different however so try it out and see what works.

Some people swear by coconut oil, using it everywhere from hair to face to toes.

For other individuals, coconut oil is just asking for a pimple to pop up.

Find what works for you you step up your skincare routine today!