Common Name(s): Coconut oil,vco virgin coconut,high-lauric mct oil
CAS Number: 8001-31-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides mct lauric acid antimicrobial emolliency with hair conditioning.
Why It's Used: Traditional mct antimicrobial emollient โ very high lauric acid provides genuine antimicrobial activity alongside the documented hair shaft protein-loss reduction that makes coconut oil uniquely effective as a pre-wash hair treatment.
How It Works: Lauric (47-51%): antimicrobial. myristic (18-21%): emollient. caprylic/capric (8-12%): fast penetration. hair: penetrates shaft reducing protein loss during washing (rele & mohile 2003). vco: higher polyphenols. moderate comedogenicity.
Typically Found In: Hair pre-wash treatment,antimicrobial body oil,traditional body care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ100%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 2026-04-05 00:00:00 -0700
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Coconut oil's unique hair shaft penetration (vs mineral oil and sunflower which cannot penetrate) reflects mct triglyceride small molecular size: small c8-c12 mct molecules penetrate the hair cortex completely, filling interstices and preventing hygral fatigue protein loss during washing. this size-dependent penetration is why only coconut oil shows this protective effect.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,rele & mohile 2003 hair oil penetration study