Is MCT the Same as Fractionated Coconut Oil? A Nutritional Deep Dive

October 4, 2025 •

4 min read

Despite their similar appearance, being clear, liquid, and odorless, there is a distinct difference between these two products. The answer to Is MCT the same as fractionated coconut oil? is nuanced, as one is a specific type of the other, but key variations exist in their sourcing, manufacturing, and benefits,.

Quick Summary

All fractionated coconut oil is a form of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil, but the reverse is not always true, as MCT oil can also be sourced from palm oil. The primary distinctions lie in their fatty acid concentration, production methods, and typical applications for diet versus topical use,.

Key Points

Not Identical: All fractionated coconut oil is a type of MCT oil, but not all MCT oil is fractionated coconut oil; the difference depends on the source and processing.
Source Varies: Fractionated coconut oil is exclusively from coconuts, whereas MCT oil can be a blend from both coconut and palm kernels,.
Composition Matters: MCT oil is often more concentrated in the most metabolically active MCTs (C8 and C10), while fractionation removes the solid-forming lauric acid (C12),.
Primary Use Differs: MCT oil is primarily a dietary supplement for quick energy and ketogenic diets, while fractionated coconut oil is mainly used as a topical carrier oil for cosmetics and essential oils,.
Production Method: MCT oil manufacturing often involves more complex distillation and re-esterification to achieve a specific fatty acid profile, unlike the simpler fractionation process,.
Labeling Insights: Pay attention to the label, as products may be marketed differently for dietary vs. topical uses, even with similar compositions.

Understanding Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs)

At its core, MCT oil is a dietary supplement consisting purely of medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat molecule with a specific chain length of 6–12 carbon atoms. This molecular structure is what distinguishes MCTs from the more common long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most dietary fats, such as olive oil or butter. Due to their shorter length, MCTs are more easily and rapidly digested by the body. They bypass the typical digestive process and are transported directly to the liver, where they are converted into ketones for quick energy,. This efficient metabolic pathway makes MCT oil a popular addition to ketogenic diets, sports nutrition, and for those seeking improved cognitive function.

How MCT Oil is Made

MCT oil is not simply a raw extract but a refined and concentrated product. Manufacturers typically use coconut oil and/or palm kernel oil, which are rich sources of medium-chain fatty acids. The process involves hydrolysis to separate the fatty acids from their glycerol backbone, followed by fractional distillation to isolate the most desirable medium-chain fatty acids, primarily caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). These are then re-esterified with glycerol to form the final, highly pure MCT oil. This targeted process results in a product with a higher concentration of the most efficiently metabolized MCTs, offering maximum benefits,.

What is Fractionated Coconut Oil?

Fractionated coconut oil is a specific type of MCT oil, derived exclusively from coconut oil. The production involves a process called fractionation, which separates the different types of fatty acids based on their melting points. Regular, or virgin, coconut oil contains a variety of fatty acids, including a high amount of lauric acid (C12), which is what causes it to solidify at cooler room temperatures. Through fractionation, the long-chain fatty acids and most of the lauric acid are removed, leaving behind a clear, odorless, and liquid oil rich in caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids.

Primary Uses of Fractionated Coconut Oil

Because it remains in a liquid state, has a long shelf life, and possesses a light, non-greasy texture, fractionated coconut oil is a favored carrier oil for topical applications. It is widely used for:

Diluting essential oils for aromatherapy or skincare.
Use in massage oils and bath products due to its smooth glide and non-staining nature.
As a lightweight moisturizer for hair and skin.
Creating DIY skincare recipes such as balms and serums.

Comparison: MCT Oil vs. Fractionated Coconut Oil

While these two oils share a common origin and similar key components, the differences in sourcing and manufacturing lead to distinct products for different needs.


Feature	MCT Oil	Fractionated Coconut Oil
Source	Can be derived from coconuts, palm kernels, or a blend of both,.	Derived exclusively from coconut oil.
Composition	Typically has a higher concentration of the most desired MCTs (C8 and C10) due to more refined manufacturing processes.	Contains a blend of MCTs, primarily C8 and C10, with minimal to no lauric acid (C12).
Production	Undergoes a more complex process involving hydrolysis, distillation, and re-esterification to create a targeted MCT blend.	Produced through a simpler process of heating and cooling coconut oil to separate and remove solid fatty acid fractions.
Primary Use	Marketed as a dietary supplement for energy, cognitive function, and weight management.	Primarily marketed as a cosmetic ingredient and carrier oil for topical applications.
Labeling	Often specifically labels the fatty acid composition (e.g., C8, C10), and may not specify coconut-only sourcing.	Labeled as coconut-based and may not specify exact MCT ratios.
Consumption	Widely consumed as a supplement; intended for ingestion to maximize its energy-producing properties.	Safe to consume, but generally intended and marketed for topical use, with potential for lower overall nutritional benefit compared to pure MCT oil,.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Needs

Deciding between MCT oil and fractionated coconut oil depends entirely on your objective.

For Dietary and Nutritional Purposes

If your goal is to boost energy, support a ketogenic diet, or enhance fat metabolism, a high-quality MCT oil is the superior choice. Look for products that specify a high concentration of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids, as these are the most efficiently metabolized for quick energy. You may also want to check the sourcing if you prefer a coconut-only product.

For Skin and Haircare

For topical use, such as a carrier oil for essential oils, moisturizers, or massage, fractionated coconut oil is the ideal option. Its primary advantage is its liquid state and lightweight, non-greasy feel, which makes it perfect for cosmetic formulations and blends. While it is technically edible, it's not formulated for peak nutritional benefits in the way dietary MCT oil is.

The Takeaway

Think of it this way: fractionated coconut oil is a specific, reliable type of MCT oil, but MCT oil can be a more specialized and potent product depending on its source and processing. Understanding this distinction allows for a more informed choice based on your specific health and wellness goals.

Conclusion

The question "Is MCT the same as fractionated coconut oil?" has a clear but often misunderstood answer. While fractionated coconut oil is indeed a form of MCT oil, the broader category of MCT oil encompasses products that may be more highly refined and can be sourced from both coconut and palm. This distinction influences their fatty acid composition, production, and best use case. High-quality MCT oil is optimized for rapid energy production and metabolism, making it a powerful dietary supplement. In contrast, fractionated coconut oil is prized for its consistent liquid state and excellent carrier properties, making it a staple in the skincare and aromatherapy industries. By understanding these key differences, consumers can select the product best suited for their needs, whether that's fueling their body or nourishing their skin.

Outbound link

For more information on the benefits and uses of MCT oil, visit this Healthline article: What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil Good For?.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can use fractionated coconut oil in your coffee. Since it is composed of MCTs, it will still offer some of the quick energy benefits associated with MCT oil, though a dedicated MCT oil supplement may provide a higher concentration of the most rapidly metabolized MCTs (C8 and C10),.

No, fractionated coconut oil does not provide all the same benefits as regular coconut oil. The fractionation process removes lauric acid (C12), which is abundant in regular coconut oil and is associated with certain antimicrobial properties.

Fractionated coconut oil is liquid at room temperature because the long-chain fatty acids and most of the lauric acid, which cause regular coconut oil to solidify, have been removed during the fractionation process,.

Yes, MCT oil can be used topically, and it shares many of the light, non-greasy properties of fractionated coconut oil. Both are considered good options for moisturizers or hair treatments,.

No, MCT oil can be sourced from either coconuts, palm kernel oil, or a blend of both. Fractionated coconut oil, however, is derived solely from coconut oil,.

For a ketogenic diet, pure MCT oil is generally the better choice. It is specifically formulated with a high concentration of the most readily available MCTs (C8 and C10), which are more efficiently converted into ketones for energy,.

Both MCT oil and fractionated coconut oil are typically odorless and tasteless, which makes them versatile for adding to food and drinks without altering the flavor,.