Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (MCT Oil): The Unsung Hero in Cosmetics and Natural Deodorants
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
The Silky Secret Behind Great Formulations
Also known as MCT Oil — this lightweight, plant-derived emollient is the clean beauty alternative to silicones that every natural formulator needs to know.
What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?
When browsing the ingredients list of your favourite skincare or natural deodorant, you may have come across the name Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — also known as MCT Oil. But what exactly is it, and why is it so valued in modern natural formulations?
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a lightweight, silky-smooth emollient derived from coconut oil. It is created by combining glycerine with medium-chain fatty acids (caprylic C8 and capric C10 acids), resulting in a stable, odourless, and non-greasy liquid oil that stays clear and fluid even in Australia's cooler temperatures.
Unlike virgin coconut oil which solidifies below 24°C, Soapmaid's MCT Oil remains liquid year-round — making it exceptionally versatile across every application from facial serums to natural deodorant pastes.
5 Reasons Formulators Love It
A complete breakdown of what Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride delivers — and exactly how it performs in your formulations.
| Benefit | How It Works | Best Used In |
|---|---|---|
| 🪶 Featherlight Moisturisation | The C8 and C10 chain lengths are small enough to absorb rapidly into the upper skin layers, delivering hydration without the heavy, occlusive feel of longer-chain oils like coconut or olive oil. | Face Serum Body Lotion |
| 🧈 Enhances Spreadability | Improves the slip and glide of any formulation it's added to, allowing products to spread effortlessly across skin. Replaces silicones (dimethicone) at 2–3× the quantity for comparable texture. | Sunscreen Makeup Base |
| 🚫 Non-Comedogenic | With a comedogenic rating of just 1 out of 5, it is highly unlikely to clog pores. Its rapid absorption leaves no residue on the skin surface, making it ideal where heavier oils would cause breakouts. | Acne Serum Oily Skin |
| 🌿 Natural Silicone Replacement | Offers the silky, smooth finish of dimethicone and cyclomethicone without synthetic additives. A key ingredient for clean beauty, silicone-free, and 'no nasties' product claims. | Clean Beauty Hair Serum |
| ⚗️ Active Carrier & Solvent | Excellent at dissolving and carrying oil-soluble actives — including Vitamin E, Vitamin A, essential oils, and botanical extracts — directly into the skin for enhanced delivery and bioavailability. | Vitamin Serum Essential Oils |
| 🛡️ Oxidative Stability | Highly resistant to rancidity — with a shelf life of 2+ years when stored correctly. Extends the stability of the entire formulation it's blended into, reducing the need for synthetic antioxidants. | All Products Long Shelf Life |
| 🌡️ Temperature Stable | Stays liquid across all Australian climate conditions — from Perth summers to Tasmanian winters. No melting or solidifying means consistent texture in every batch regardless of season. | Year-Round AU Climate |
| 👶 Gentle for All Skin Types | Purified, fragrance-free, and non-irritating. Suitable for use in baby products, sensitive skin formulations, and products for those with known skin conditions including eczema and rosacea. | Baby Products Sensitive Skin |
Usage Rates Across Applications
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride works across almost every product type. Here are the recommended rates for each.
Facial Serums
Use as the primary carrier oil for a lightweight, fast-absorbing face oil or as a base for oil serums carrying Vitamin E, retinol, or botanical actives.
30–50% of formulaMoisturisers & Creams
Add to the oil phase of emulsions to improve texture, spreadability, and absorption. Works in both light day creams and richer night creams.
5–15% of formulaSunscreens & Makeup
Exceptional base for physical sunscreens — disperses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide more evenly than most oils, reducing the white cast.
10–20% of formulaCold Process Soap
Adds a conditioning, silky lather when used in soap. Contributes to a harder, longer-lasting bar with improved skin feel after washing.
Up to 30% of oilsNatural Deodorants
Creates a smooth, spreadable base in deodorant pastes and creams. Conditions underarm skin and stabilises the formula against rancidity.
20–40% of formulaHair & Scalp Treatments
Lightweight enough not to weigh hair down. Use as a frizz serum, heat protectant base, or leave-in conditioner for shine without heaviness.
50–100% (neat)Replacing Silicones in Clean Beauty Recipes
If your formula calls for dimethicone, cyclomethicone, or cyclopentasiloxane for slip and texture, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is the most effective natural replacement. Use at 2–3× the weight of the silicone called for to achieve a comparable silky texture and spreadability. This swap alone transforms a conventional formulation into a clean, natural, silicone-free product. Pair with jojoba oil for an even closer silicone-like skin feel.
The Recipe
A smooth, effective natural deodorant paste using MCT Oil as its conditioning base — beginner-friendly and fully customisable.
Natural Deodorant Paste
Smooth, conditioning, and effective — a clean formulation your underarms will thank you for
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
-
1
Sanitise All Equipment
Wipe all tools and jars with 70% isopropyl alcohol and allow to air dry. As this is a water-free formula it has natural microbial resistance, but clean equipment is still essential for maximum shelf life and a professional result.
-
2
Melt Wax & Butter Phase
Combine the beeswax pellets and refined shea butter in your double boiler over gentle simmering water. Melt fully, stirring occasionally, until completely smooth. Target temperature 65–70°C.
-
3
Add the MCT Oil
Remove from heat and stir in the Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. The MCT Oil is the star of this formula — it transforms the heavy wax-and-butter base into a smooth, silky paste that glides effortlessly without dragging the delicate underarm skin.
The ratio of MCT Oil to beeswax controls firmness. More MCT = softer paste. More beeswax = firmer stick texture. -
4
Cool to 45°C, Then Add Powders
Allow the mix to cool to approximately 45°C — it will look slightly thickened at the edges. Sift in the baking soda and arrowroot powder a little at a time, whisking briskly after each addition to prevent lumps. Fully incorporating the dry ingredients at this stage is key to a smooth finished texture.
For sensitive skin, reduce baking soda to 5g and increase arrowroot to 6g. Baking soda can cause irritation in some users — magnesium hydroxide is a gentler alternative at the same rate. -
5
Add Vitamin E & Essential Oils
Once the mixture has cooled to below 40°C, stir in the Vitamin E oil and your chosen essential oil. Lavender + tea tree is a classic deodorant pairing — calming, antibacterial, and pleasant. Lemon myrtle is a beautiful Australian native alternative at the same rate.
-
6
Pour & Set
Pour or spoon into your sterilised jar or push-up tube while still liquid enough to flow. Work quickly — the beeswax will begin to set. Do not disturb for 2 hours. Once set, cap and label with date, ingredients, and a "keep below 28°C" note (important for Australian summers).
Storage & Usage Tips
Australian Climate
Store below 28°C. In summer, keep in a bathroom cabinet — not a car or handbag. If it softens, a 30-min fridge rest will firm it back up.
How to Apply
Scoop a pea-sized amount and warm between fingertips for 10 seconds before applying. Less is more — a thin layer is more effective than a thick one.
Transition Period
New users switching from antiperspirant may experience a 2–4 week adjustment period as pores normalise. Persist — results improve significantly after this window.
Sensitive Skin Tip
Swap baking soda for magnesium hydroxide powder at the same rate for a gentler, pH-neutral alternative that's kind to reactive underarm skin.
More Ways to Use MCT Oil
Once you have a bottle, you'll find yourself reaching for it in almost every formulation you make.
Lightweight Face Serum
Use at 50–100% as the base of a vitamin C or retinol oil serum. Its rapid absorption carries actives deep without leaving an oily residue.
50–100% as carrierClean Makeup
Use in foundation, concealer, or tinted moisturiser formulas to improve pigment dispersion, texture, and that coveted skin-like finish without silicones.
10–25% in makeupDry Hair Serum
A few drops applied to damp or dry hair ends controls frizz and adds weightless shine. A true silicone-free blowout finishing oil.
Neat or 50–100%Cleansing & Balm
Works beautifully in oil cleansers and cleansing balms — excellent at dissolving SPF and makeup while leaving skin conditioned, not stripped.
30–60% in cleanserSPF Formulations
One of the best oils for dispersing mineral UV filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), creating a more cosmetically elegant, less chalky sunscreen.
10–20% in SPFLip Balm & Gloss
Adds incredible slip and shine to lip products. Use alongside castor oil for a high-gloss finish, or beeswax for a firm, conditioning lip balm.
10–30% in lip productsFrequently Asked Questions
Ready to Elevate Your Formulations
with MCT Oil?
Premium-quality Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — plant-derived, odourless, and cosmetic-grade — available now at Soapmaid Australia.