What is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is a specialized version of standard coconut oil that has been processed to separate and remove certain fatty acids. This process, known as fractionation, involves heating the coconut oil and then allowing it to cool slowly. The different fatty acids present in the oil have different melting points, causing them to solidify at different temperatures. The long-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid (C12), solidify first and are subsequently removed. What remains is the liquid fraction, which consists primarily of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), specifically caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
FCO is distinct from virgin or unrefined coconut oil, which contains the full spectrum of fatty acids and is solid at room temperature. FCO remains in a liquid state, has a much longer shelf life due to its increased stability, and is colorless and odorless. Its lightweight nature makes it a popular carrier oil for essential oils, as it absorbs quickly and does not leave a heavy or greasy residue on the skin.
The Absence of Lauric Acid in FCO
The defining characteristic of fractionated coconut oil is the near-total removal of lauric acid. This is the very purpose of the fractionation process. Standard coconut oil can contain up to 50% lauric acid, a saturated fatty acid with notable antimicrobial properties. The removal of lauric acid has significant implications for the resulting product's properties and potential benefits.
For some applications, the absence of lauric acid is a desired trait. For example, in cosmetic and personal care products, an odorless and colorless oil is often preferable. Similarly, as a carrier oil for essential oils, FCO's neutral scent ensures it does not interfere with the aroma of the essential oils. However, those seeking the specific antimicrobial and other health benefits associated with lauric acid will need to opt for virgin or unrefined coconut oil instead.
Comparing Lauric Acid Content: FCO vs. Regular Coconut Oil
| Feature | Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) | Virgin/Unrefined Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Lauric Acid Content | Negligible to none | Approximately 50% |
| Physical State | Liquid at room temperature | Solid below 76°F (24°C) |
| Appearance | Clear and colorless | White and opaque when solid |
| Scent and Flavor | Odorless and tasteless | Distinct coconut aroma and flavor |
| Shelf Life | Very long and stable | Can go rancid over time |
| Primary Use | Carrier oil, massage oil, cosmetic ingredient | Cooking, baking, moisturizing |
| Skin Feel | Lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing | Heavier, richer, can feel oily |
| Benefits | High in MCTs (C8 & C10), easy digestion | Lauric acid's antimicrobial effects |
The Benefits of MCTs in Fractionated Coconut Oil
While it lacks lauric acid, fractionated coconut oil is a concentrated source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), primarily caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. These MCTs offer a distinct set of benefits that differ from those found in virgin coconut oil. The primary advantage of MCTs is their rapid digestion and absorption. They are transported directly to the liver, where they can be quickly converted into energy or ketones, an alternative fuel source.
This rapid metabolism has made MCT oil popular in supplements, especially for those on ketogenic diets, as it can help the body reach a state of ketosis more quickly. Other potential health benefits associated with MCTs include support for weight management by promoting feelings of fullness and increasing fat-burning, though research is ongoing. For topical use, the high MCT content makes FCO an excellent emollient for the skin, offering moisturizing properties without the greasy residue of regular coconut oil.
Uses of Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil's unique properties make it highly versatile for various non-culinary applications. Its stability, liquid form, and neutral profile are prized in the following areas:
- Aromatherapy and Massage: FCO is the go-to carrier oil for diluting essential oils. Its lack of scent allows the essential oil's fragrance to be the star, while its non-greasy texture ensures a smooth, quick-absorbing application.
- Skincare: It is an excellent moisturizer for the skin and hair, and its non-comedogenic properties make it suitable for a wide range of skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. It can be found in lotions, creams, serums, and hair masks.
- DIY Beauty Products: Its long shelf life and stable nature make it a perfect base for creating homemade beauty products, such as lip balms, deodorants, and body scrubs.
- Dietary Supplements: As mentioned, when marketed as MCT oil, it is used as a dietary supplement for energy and weight management support, often added to coffee or smoothies.
Conclusion
To definitively answer the question, "Does fractionated coconut oil still have lauric acid?", the answer is no, it does not. The fractionation process is specifically designed to remove the long-chain fatty acids, including the high percentage of lauric acid found in its unrefined counterpart. This distinction is the core difference between the two products, influencing their physical state, smell, and uses.
While this means FCO lacks the specific antimicrobial properties of lauric acid, its high concentration of MCTs provides a separate set of benefits. FCO is an excellent carrier oil for essential oils, a lightweight and stable moisturizer, and a source of rapidly-absorbed MCTs for energy. Understanding the difference between fractionated and regular coconut oil is essential for choosing the right product for your specific needs, whether for skincare, cooking, or dietary supplementation.
Potential Uses of Lauric Acid Removed During Fractionation
The lauric acid removed during the fractionation process is not simply discarded. Due to its high value and specific properties, it is used in other industrial applications. Lauric acid is used commercially as an ingredient in soaps and shampoos, where its cleansing properties are desirable. It is also valuable in other medical and pharmaceutical products, such as monolaurin, which is used as a food preservative and antimicrobial agent.
Ultimately, the choice between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil depends on what you value. If a stable, liquid, odorless carrier oil is your priority, FCO is the superior choice. If you seek the full spectrum of fatty acids, including lauric acid, with its unique benefits and aroma, then virgin coconut oil is the right option.
Related Products
- Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO): Solid at room temperature and contains all the fatty acids, including lauric acid.
- MCT Oil: Often identical to fractionated coconut oil but marketed specifically for dietary and supplemental use.
- Palm Kernel Oil: Another source of lauric acid and MCTs that is sometimes used to create CCT, though sourcing can raise ethical concerns.
The Extraction Process in Brief
The process for creating fractionated coconut oil can be broken down into a few key steps:
- Crude Oil Extraction: Coconut oil is first extracted from the coconut meat, typically via cold pressing or a dry process.
- Hydrolysis (Optional/Synthesized): In some industrial processes, the oil is broken down into its fatty acid components and glycerol.
- Heating and Cooling: The oil is heated to melt it, then slowly cooled. As it cools, the long-chain fatty acids crystallize and solidify.
- Filtration and Separation: The solidified portion, which contains the lauric acid, is filtered out, leaving behind the liquid medium-chain triglycerides.
- Purification: The remaining oil may be further refined and deodorized to ensure it is colorless and odorless.
Considerations and Safety
While fractionated coconut oil is generally safe, there are some considerations. Consumers with a coconut allergy should avoid FCO. For dietary consumption, while MCTs are generally well-tolerated, large amounts can cause digestive discomfort, so it's best to start with a small amount and gradually increase intake. For topical use, it is wise to perform a patch test, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Summary of Key Points
- Fact: Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) has had most or all of its lauric acid removed through a process called fractionation.
- Composition: FCO consists predominantly of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), particularly caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids.
- Properties: Due to its composition, FCO is liquid at room temperature, odorless, colorless, and highly stable with a long shelf life.
- Uses: Its lightweight, non-greasy nature makes it an excellent carrier oil for essential oils, as well as a popular ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products.
- Contrast: Unlike FCO, virgin coconut oil retains its lauric acid, giving it its solid form, distinct aroma, and antimicrobial properties.
- Dietary Note: FCO is often sold as MCT oil and is favored for its quick energy-providing MCTs, particularly for ketogenic diets.
- Safety: While generally safe, individuals with coconut allergies should avoid FCO, and gradual intake is advised for dietary consumption to avoid digestive upset.
Conclusion
In summary, the very process that creates fractionated coconut oil ensures that it does not contain lauric acid. The purpose of fractionation is to separate the different fatty acids based on their melting points, removing the solidifying lauric acid and other long-chain triglycerides. This is what makes FCO a liquid at room temperature, and it explains the key differences in properties and uses when compared to virgin coconut oil. Those seeking the benefits of lauric acid should choose virgin coconut oil, while those looking for a stable, light, and odorless carrier oil will find FCO to be a superior option. Both products offer distinct advantages depending on the desired application, so understanding their fundamental compositional differences is the key to making an informed choice.
Key takeaways
- No Lauric Acid: Fractionated coconut oil does not contain lauric acid, as it is removed during the manufacturing process.
- Primary Composition: FCO is made up mainly of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), specifically caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
- Liquid Form: The removal of lauric acid means FCO remains liquid at room temperature, unlike virgin coconut oil.
- Best for Carriers: Its lack of color, odor, and greasiness makes FCO an ideal carrier oil for essential oils.
- Different Benefits: FCO offers the benefits of MCTs, such as rapid energy and improved shelf stability, rather than the antimicrobial properties associated with lauric acid.
- Distinct Applications: The choice between FCO and regular coconut oil depends entirely on whether you need a liquid, neutral carrier or a solid, full-spectrum oil with lauric acid.
- Industrial Use: The removed lauric acid has its own commercial value and is used in other industries, such as for soaps and detergents.
FAQs
Question: What is the main difference between fractionated and regular coconut oil? Answer: The main difference is the presence of lauric acid. Regular coconut oil is rich in lauric acid and solid at room temperature, whereas fractionated coconut oil has had the lauric acid removed and remains liquid.
Question: Why is lauric acid removed from coconut oil during fractionation? Answer: Lauric acid is removed to create a liquid product that is stable at cooler temperatures and has a longer shelf life. The long-chain fatty acids, including lauric acid, are what cause regular coconut oil to solidify.
Question: Is fractionated coconut oil the same as MCT oil? Answer: For most consumers, fractionated coconut oil is virtually the same as MCT oil, as both are primarily composed of the medium-chain fatty acids capric acid (C8) and caprylic acid (C10). Some MCT oils, however, may be derived from palm oil or have a different ratio of C8 to C10.
Question: What are the main benefits of fractionated coconut oil? Answer: The primary benefits are its liquid state, long shelf life, and neutral qualities, which make it an excellent carrier oil and cosmetic ingredient. It is also a concentrated source of rapidly digestible MCTs.
Question: Can I still get the antibacterial benefits of coconut oil with the fractionated version? Answer: No, the strong antibacterial properties of coconut oil are largely attributed to its high concentration of lauric acid, which is removed during the fractionation process. For these benefits, virgin or unrefined coconut oil is the better choice.
Question: What happens to the lauric acid that is removed? Answer: The separated lauric acid and other long-chain fatty acids are used for other industrial applications, such as in the manufacturing of soaps, shampoos, and certain pharmaceutical products.
Question: How can I tell if a product is fractionated coconut oil or regular coconut oil? Answer: Fractionated coconut oil will be clear and liquid at room temperature, with no coconut scent. Regular coconut oil will be white, solid, and have a distinct coconut aroma and flavor. The product label will also specify if it is "fractionated" or an "MCT oil".
