FRACTIONATED COCONUT OIL

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ALL ABOUT IT: Coconut oil is an incredibly healthy fat that has amazing skin benefits. Fractionated coconut oil has been “fractionated” which is a process that separates different fats within the oil. The long chain triglycerides are removed, leaving behind the short and medium chain triglycerides, leading it to be sometimes known as MCT coconut oil. However it’s not the same thing as true MCT oil. (See notes)

This makes is a very lightweight carrier oil that is less likely to clog pores. Fractionated coconut oil doesn’t become solid at room temperature. It’s very stable and resistant to oxidation at higher temperatures and has a longer shelf life when stored properly.

INCI: Cocos Nucifera Oil

USAGE: Emollient

USAGE RATE: Up to 100%

SOLUBILITY: Soluble in oil | Insoluble in water

PHASE: Add to oil phase

COLOR: Clear, colorless to very pale yellow liquid.

AROMA: Light to none.

MELTING POINT: Liquid at room temperature.

PH: Between 7 & 8

WHY USE IT: It’s inexpensive, versatile, and typically easy to find. It’s lightweight so it makes a good carrier oil and absorbs quickly. Less likely to clog pores when used in facial products. 

BENEFITS: Penetrates the skin better than coconut oil and is lightweight and non greasy. Can soften the skin. Fractionated coconut oil also has high amounts of vitamin A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants which has the potential to help firm the appearance of aging skin.

CONS: It’s not considered all natural due to the process to separate the chain triglycerides. It’s considered a refined product. Not for use on face if you have fungal acne.

BEST FORMULATONS: Lotions, body butters, herbal oils.

DO YOU NEED IT: Yes, it’s used as a base oil in a lot of formulations, especially making infused herbal oils for your practice. 

SUBSTITUTIONS: Other lightweight oils like grapeseed, sunflower, or apricot oil. If making herbal infused oils, avoid grapeseed oil. 

WHERE TO GET IT: Walmart, Target, grocery stores, online. 

HOW MUCH TO BUY: 16 ounces is a good to keep on hand. I go through tons making herbal oils. You can find it here*.

STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE: Cool dark area for up two years.

NOTES: True MCT oil is not the same as fractionated coconut oil. They are frequently marketed as the same thing. MCT oil is just the medium chain triglycerides. If the label of an MCT oil says it contains coconut oil and not caprylic/capric triglyceride, then it’s not a true MCT oil. The INCI for MCT is Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides and that’s how you’ll be able to tell the difference. Don’t use Fractionated Coconut Oil on your face if you have fungal acne. True MCT oil is fine. 

FORMULATIONS: Infused Herbal Oil