MCT Oil / Fractionated Coconut Oil

INCI Name: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Also Known As: Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCT), Fractionated Coconut Oil

Origin: Coconut Oil (primarily from Southeast Asia)

EWG Score: 1 High safety  (1-2: High safety 3-6: Moderate safety  7-10: Low safety）

Function: Lightweight moisturizer, absorption enhancer, scalp soothing, antifungal

Found In: Included in some Originature formulas as a base oil or emollient carrier for enhanced spreadability and hydration.

🧠 What Is MCT Oil?

MCT Oil — or Medium-Chain Triglyceride oil — is a purified, liquid form of coconut oil that stays fluid at room temperature. Also known as Fractionated Coconut Oil, it’s produced by extracting only the lightest, most stable fatty acids (caprylic and capric acids) from raw coconut oil.

Unlike traditional coconut oil, MCT oil is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and highly stable, making it ideal for use in natural hair care where clean hydration and gentle nourishment are key.

đź’§ Hair & Scalp Benefits of MCT Oil

  • Lightweight Moisturizing
    Deeply hydrates without leaving hair heavy, greasy, or limp — perfect for fine, oily, or low-porosity hair.
  • Soothes and Protects Scalp
    Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help relieve itching and irritation, and support scalp health.
  • Improves Product Absorption
    Enhances the delivery of other beneficial ingredients like herbal extracts and essential oils into the scalp and hair.
  • Reduces Frizz and Split Ends
    Smooths and softens the hair shaft while reducing breakage from dryness or styling.
  • Won’t Clog Pores or Build Up
    Unlike heavier oils or silicones, MCT oil is non-comedogenic and washes out easily.

🔬 The Science Behind It

MCT oil contains caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) — medium-chain fatty acids that offer antibacterial, antifungal, and moisture-retention properties. These fatty acids are small enough to penetrate the scalp and hair shaft, delivering nutrients deep into the root structure.

According to dermatological studies, caprylic/capric triglyceride has a low risk of irritation and is considered safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin, including the scalp.

✨ Why We Use It

At Originature, we love MCT oil because it offers a clean, lightweight, and sustainable way to nourish hair and scalp — no heaviness, no clogging, and no synthetic shortcuts. Whether it’s helping deliver active botanicals or leaving your hair soft and manageable, this coconut-derived multitasker is one of nature’s most effective moisturizers.

đźš« Better Than Raw Coconut Oil

Raw coconut oil is rich and nourishing, but can clog pores, feel greasy, and solidify in cooler temperatures. MCT oil offers all the benefits of coconut oil — with none of the mess. It absorbs faster, smells neutral, and provides longer shelf life and better performance in solid bar formulations.

đź“š References

  1. EWG Skin Deep – Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
  2. INCI Decoder – MCT / Fractionated Coconut Oil
  3. Journal of Cosmetic Science – “Medium Chain Triglycerides as Emollients”
  4. Shay and Company – Coconut Oil Derivatives for Skincare
  5. International Journal of Molecular Sciences – “Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial Potential of Caprylic Acid”