Fractionated Coconut Oil, 100 ml

Coconut oil, fractionated

Fractionated coconut oil gives the oil phase lightness and long stability. It is produced from coconut oil by separating shorter fatty acids, caprylic and capric, so it remains liquid even in the cold, has no scent of its own and absorbs quickly into the skin without a greasy film. In a formulation it works as an emollient and carrier: it forms the base of the oil phase, dilutes essential oils and dissolves oil-soluble active ingredients.

Manufacturers choose it primarily for its oxidation resistance. The fatty acids in it have no double bonds, so it does not go rancid the way vegetable oils with a high proportion of unsaturated fatty acids do. The finished product does not change its scent and the oil phase does not yellow. It is suitable wherever you need a neutral oil that does not mask the scent or colour of other ingredients.

Key benefits

• Liquid even in the cold – unlike regular coconut oil it does not solidify, and behaves consistently in body oils and serums throughout the year.
• Fragrance- and colour-free – carries a fragrance composition or essential oils without any trace of its own.
• Long shelf life – saturated chains do not yellow or go rancid, and the oil phase remains stable even without additional antioxidants.
• Fast absorption – low viscosity gives the product a dry, light feel; skin does not feel sticky after application.
• Dissolves oil-soluble actives – vitamin E, oil extracts and bisabolol dissolve well in it, making it a base for oil serums.
• Compatible with oil-based ingredients – blends with vegetable oils, esters and waxes.

Use in formulation

It is added to the oil phase. In emulsions it is heated together with the other oils and emulsifier; in anhydrous products it is processed cold. In O/W emulsions it reduces the greasy feel brought by heavier oils such as avocado or olive, and improves the spreadability of the cream. As a carrier for essential oils on the skin, simply mix the essential oils into a measured amount of fractionated coconut oil and leave to stand for a few minutes.

Dosage depends on the product type. In creams and lotions it is typically one of several oil-phase components; in body and massage oils it forms the base and may represent the entire formulation.

The oil is not water-soluble. It can be incorporated into water-based products such as toners or hydrating sprays only via a solubiliser or emulsifier. In hair cosmetics it is used in oil treatments for ends, where its low viscosity does not weigh hair down.

Suitable for products such as

• Body and massage oils where a light touch and long shelf life matter.
• Oil serums and carriers for essential oils and oil-soluble active ingredients.
• Face creams and body lotions where it softens the texture and speeds up absorption.
• Cleansing oils and cleansing balms where it dissolves make-up and oil-based impurities.
• Lip balms and solid sticks as a liquid component that adjusts the hardness of the wax base.
• Products for children and sensitive skin without fragrance, where a neutral profile matters.

Good to know

Fractionated coconut oil does not contain lauric acid or the other longer fatty acids present in virgin coconut oil. It is therefore unsuitable for soap making: the saponification of lauric acid that gives coconut soap its hardness and lather would be missing. For soap, use regular coconut oil.

At higher doses in emulsions it reduces the viscosity of the finished cream. In lotions and light creams this is desirable; in thick creams you can compensate with an oil-phase thickener or a higher proportion of solid components. In anhydrous products no preservative is needed; in emulsions with a water phase, preservation remains necessary as with any water-based system.

Frequently asked questions