Liquid Coconut Oil / Fractionated - Cocos nucifera - Caprylic Acid, Capric Acid -
Fractionated coconut oil is a light, fast-absorbing version of traditional coconut oil. Unlike virgin coconut oil, which is solid at cooler temperatures and contains long-chain fatty acids, fractionated coconut oil undergoes a distillation process that removes these long-chain fatty acids. This results in a stable, liquid oil at room temperature, perfect for natural cosmetics and aromatherapy.
With a silky, lightweight texture, fractionated coconut oil absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue, making it an excellent carrier for diluting essential oils and for cosmetic formulations. It is clear in color and lacks the characteristic coconut aroma, making it ideal as a neutral base that won’t interfere with fragrances or properties of other active ingredients.
Properties of Fractionated Coconut Oil
This oil is especially rich in medium-chain fatty acids, such as caprylic and capric acids, known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help protect the skin from bacteria and maintain its balance, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Fractionated coconut oil is also deeply moisturizing and emollient, retaining moisture in the skin and leaving it soft and supple. Its non-comedogenic nature means it doesn’t clog pores, providing light and effective hydration for all skin types.
Unlike regular coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil has a longer shelf life due to the fractionation process, making it less prone to oxidation. This superior stability makes it an excellent choice for beauty and personal care products that will be stored for extended periods.
Key Benefits of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Moisturizing and Emollient: Deeply hydrates without clogging pores.
- Lightweight and Fast-Absorbing: Absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a soft, non-greasy feel.
- Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory: Helps balance and protect the skin, especially beneficial for sensitive skin.
- Stable and Long-Lasting: Has an extended shelf life, ideal for cosmetics and preparations requiring storage.
Common Uses
Fractionated coconut oil is ideal as a carrier oil for diluting essential oils in aromatherapy, for massage, and in skin and hair care products. It’s also used in formulations for balms, lotions, makeup removers, and light conditioners. Its quick absorption and ability to enhance the penetration of other active ingredients make it a versatile oil in various personal care applications.
DIY Recipes with Fractionated Coconut Oil
1. Hydrating Facial Serum for Combination Skin
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon jojoba oil (balances combination skin)
- 3 drops tea tree essential oil (purifying)
- 2 drops lavender essential oil (calming)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a 10 ml dark glass bottle.
- Apply 3-4 drops to clean, dry skin at night, massaging gently until absorbed.
- Use nightly for balanced, hydrated skin.
Benefits: This serum provides light hydration, helps maintain skin balance, and addresses minor imperfections.
2. Relaxing Body Massage Oil
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon sweet almond oil (moisturizing)
- 10 drops lavender essential oil (relaxing)
- 5 drops geranium essential oil (calming)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a dark glass bottle.
- Apply to the skin after a bath or use for a relaxing massage, applying in circular motions.
Benefits: This body oil hydrates the skin while relaxing the body and mind, perfect for self-care at the end of the day.
3. Gentle Two-Phase Makeup Remover
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon rose water (soothing and toning)
- 3 drops chamomile essential oil (soothing for skin)
Instructions:
- Add rose water and fractionated coconut oil to a small bottle.
- Shake before each use to mix both phases.
- Moisten a cotton pad and gently swipe over the face to remove makeup and cleanse the skin.
Benefits: This makeup remover effectively cleanses while hydrating and calming the skin, leaving it fresh and soft.
What's the difference between Virgin and Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is virgin coconut oil that has been distilled, allowing the long-chain fatty acids to solidify and be removed. The result is an ultra-light, odorless coconut oil that remains liquid at cooler temperatures.
Fractionated coconut oil absorbs more easily into the skin and has a longer shelf life, preserving nourishing medium-chain fatty acids and essential nutrients in this form. This luxurious version of coconut oil is used in many natural cosmetic products, such as body and face creams.
Natural Components:
The most notable triglycerides found in liquid or fractionated coconut oil are capric acid and caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid.
Differences:
- Virgin coconut oil is solid at cooler room temperatures, making it too heavy for most facial applications.
- Virgin coconut oil retains lauric acid and other long-chain fatty acids.
- Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid, even at cooler temperatures.
- Fractionated coconut oil absorbs more easily into the skin.
Similarities:
- Both are deeply hydrating and nourishing for the skin.
- Both are naturally processed (extracted without chemicals), retaining many nutrients and antioxidants.
