Fractionated coconut oil is a version of coconut oil that stays liquid even in the cold and is far easier to work with. Do you know what the difference is between classic coconut oil and its fractionated version? And can you use both variants in the same way, or substitute them in your formulations?
About this article
This article has been prepared for you by Martina Oboňová. In it we look at how fractionated coconut oil is made, how it differs from classic “coconut oil” and where you can put it to use — whether as a carrier oil in your own formulations, or directly on your skin and hair.
Main benefits
- Consistency that never solidifies
You can even put the oil in the refrigerator and it will not change its consistency — it will not solidify. It is therefore much easier to work with.
- A carrier oil for formulations
It is precisely this consistency that, compared to classic “coconut oil”, predestines it to be a carrier oil in your formulations.
- Significant hydration
The oil retains exactly those fatty acids that are responsible for its extra moisturising properties — it leaves the skin smooth and radiant.
- Ready for massage
There is no need to heat it and you can apply it straight away; it ensures a smooth, gliding movement and allows you to add an essential oil too.
Properties of the ingredient
What is fractionated coconut oil?
Coconut oil has become an indispensable part not only of the cosmetic, but also of the food world. It has many advantages, a nutrient content and the right ratio of fatty acids, which are a perfect choice for beautiful and healthy hair and skin. It seemed literally an unrivalled cosmetic ingredient — and yet something has been found that can beat it. It is its brother, the fractionated version of coconut oil.
Fractionated coconut oil is produced from standard coconut oil by a process called fractionation. This means that by the process of steam distillation and hydrolysis, long-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid C12 are removed from the oil, and only medium-chain fatty acids remain — capric acid C10 and caprylic acid C8. It is essentially a process of heating and cooling, during which the acids with a longer chain solidify earlier in the cooling process and thus naturally separate. At a certain point they separate completely and the fractionation is finished.
There is no need to worry that coconut oil would lose its ability to hydrate through this process — the remaining chains of capric and caprylic acid exhibit significant moisturising effects.
Fractionated coconut oil is sometimes also called MCT oil — this is an abbreviation for medium-chain triglyceride, which is exactly the basis of this oil, because after the fractionation process the fatty acids contained in the oil are precisely those with a medium chain length.
Uses
The oil retains precisely those fatty acids that are responsible for its extra moisturising properties, so you can use it directly on the body, or also in your formulations focused on skin hydration. It is excellent just after a shower, or in summer after sun exposure — it will leave your skin smooth and radiant.
For massage, fractionated oil does not need to be heated and you can apply it immediately: its consistency ensures a smooth and gliding movement, while allowing the addition of an essential oil.
Other uses
- Make-up remover
Fractionated coconut oil works as an excellent make-up remover.
- Extremely dry parts of the body
Because it has a high moisturising capacity, it is a great means for hydrating extremely dry parts of the body, for example cracked heels.
- Nourishing the hair
Precisely thanks to its consistency, fractionated oil is much easier to use for nourishing the hair — it allows an even application of the oil from the roots to the ends of the hair and thus ensures complete coverage and hydration.
- After shaving
The oil is also an excellent choice as a means of hydration after shaving — it soothes the skin and minimises the occurrence of red spots.
Frequently asked questions about fractionated coconut oil
Practical questions about fractionated coconut oil — how it is made, what remains in it and where you can use it.
How is fractionated coconut oil made?
It is produced from standard coconut oil by a process called fractionation: steam distillation and hydrolysis remove long-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid C12. It is a process of heating and cooling — the acids with a longer chain solidify earlier during cooling and so separate naturally, until at a certain point they separate completely.
Why is it called MCT oil?
MCT is an abbreviation for medium-chain triglyceride. After fractionation, the fatty acids contained in the oil are precisely those with a medium chain length — capric acid C10 and caprylic acid C8 — which are the basis of this oil.
Does fractionated oil lose its moisturising properties?
There is no need to worry about that. The remaining chains of capric and caprylic acid exhibit significant moisturising effects, so you can use the oil directly on the body as well as in formulations focused on skin hydration.
Will the oil solidify in the refrigerator?
No. You can put the oil in the refrigerator and it will not change its consistency — it will not solidify. That is exactly why it is much easier to work with and why it suits as a carrier oil in your formulations.
Is it suitable for massage?
Yes. Fractionated oil does not need to be heated and you can apply it immediately — its consistency ensures a smooth and gliding movement, while allowing the addition of an essential oil.
Conclusion
Isn’t it perfect? Have you already tried fractionated coconut oil? Share your experience with us.
Write any of your comments and suggestions to us at [email protected].
You will find fractionated and classic coconut oil, along with other carrier oils, in the Handymade range of oils.
