MCT Oil vs Coconut Oil for Oil Pulling: Which Should You Use?
Coconut oil is the classic choice for oil pulling, but more people are asking about MCT oil. Can you oil pull with MCT oil, and is it better? The short answer: yes, you can, and the two work well together. Here's how they compare.
What is MCT oil?
MCT stands for medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat found naturally in coconut oil. MCT oil is a refined fraction of coconut oil that keeps those medium-chain fats. You may also see it called fractionated coconut oil.
MCT oil vs coconut oil at a glance
| Coconut oil | MCT oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Texture at room temperature | Solid below about 76°F, so you may need to melt it first | Always liquid, ready to swish |
| Taste | Mild coconut flavor | Nearly flavorless |
| Feel in the mouth | Thicker, richer | Lighter and thinner, easier to swish |
| Tradition | Long history in Ayurvedic oil pulling | A newer, modern option |
| Shelf life | Long; store cool and dry | Very long; resists going rancid |
Can you oil pull with MCT oil?
Yes. MCT oil's light, liquid texture makes it one of the easiest oils to swish, especially for beginners who find a mouthful of solid coconut oil off-putting. It stays liquid in a cold bathroom in winter, which coconut oil does not.
Is coconut oil better for oil pulling?
Coconut oil is the most widely used and studied oil for oil pulling, and many people love its richness. Its main downsides are practical: it hardens in cooler rooms, and some people find the texture hard to get used to.
Why not both?
Blending gives you the best of each: the familiar base of coconut oil with the easy, liquid texture of MCT. That's exactly why our Brilliant Black Oil Pulling combines coconut and MCT oil with activated charcoal, peppermint and vitamin E. It stays liquid, swishes easily, and has a light mint taste instead of plain coconut. Read more about why we use it in MCT Oil: The Secret Weapon in Our Best-Selling Brilliant Black Oil Pulling.
If your focus is sensitive gums and enamel, Gentle Green Oil Pulling pairs nano-hydroxyapatite with neem and hemp seed oil.
How to oil pull with MCT or coconut oil
- Brush your teeth first.
- Take about one teaspoon of oil (melt coconut oil first if it's solid).
- Swish gently for 2 to 5 minutes, pulling it between your teeth.
- Spit into the trash, not the sink, then rinse with warm water.
Got more timing questions? See Can You Eat or Drink After Oil Pulling? and Choosing the Right Oil for Oil Pulling.
Oil pulling supports your routine; it doesn't replace brushing, flossing or regular dental visits. Ask your dentist if you have a dental condition.
