Understanding Liquid Coconut Oil
When most people think of coconut oil, they picture the solid white fat found in jars, which melts into a liquid above 76°F (24°C). However, liquid coconut oil is a specific product that has been processed to remain in its fluid state, regardless of temperature. This is most often achieved through a process called fractionation, which removes certain fatty acids.
What is Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT Oil)?
Fractionated coconut oil is made by heating regular coconut oil to separate and remove the long-chain fatty acids, primarily lauric acid. What remains are the stable, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), mainly capric and caprylic acids. The result is a colorless, odorless oil that stays liquid indefinitely. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture and longer shelf life make it a popular choice for beauty and wellness applications.
How is Fractionated Different from Virgin Coconut Oil?
The key difference between fractionated and virgin coconut oil lies in their composition and processing. Virgin or unrefined coconut oil is minimally processed from fresh coconut meat and retains a distinct coconut scent and flavor. It's a multipurpose oil but is solid at cooler temperatures. Fractionated oil, having undergone processing to remove lauric acid, is neutral in both taste and aroma, and is permanently liquid. While virgin oil is prized for its natural properties, fractionated is valued for its stability, high smoke point, and versatility.
Refined vs. Fractionated Liquid Coconut Oil
It's important to distinguish between fractionated and simply refined coconut oil. Refined coconut oil is made from dried coconut meat (copra) and is processed with heat and deodorization, giving it a neutral flavor and higher smoke point than virgin oil. However, refined oil will still solidify at cooler temperatures. Fractionated is the only type guaranteed to stay liquid.
Top Contenders for the Best Liquid Coconut Oil
The "best" liquid coconut oil depends heavily on your intended use. Here are some of the most highly-regarded brands, categorized by their best applications.
Best Liquid Coconut Oil for Cooking and High-Heat Sautéing
- Carrington Farms Organic Liquid Coconut Cooking Oil: Praised for its unflavored, odorless profile and high smoke point, making it an excellent all-purpose cooking oil that won't interfere with the taste of your food.
- Nutiva Organic Steam-Refined Coconut Oil: Uses a chemical-free, steam-refining process to create a versatile, high-smoke-point oil ideal for baking and sautéing where a neutral flavor is desired. Remember, this is refined, not fractionated, so it will solidify.
Best Liquid Coconut Oil for Skin and Hair
- Viva Naturals Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil: Sourced from fresh, organic coconuts, this lightweight and non-greasy oil is certified organic and Non-GMO Project Verified. It's a natural nourishing carrier oil for essential oil blends and a versatile moisturizer for skin and hair.
- NOW Solutions Liquid Coconut Oil: Offers a colorless and odorless formula with a non-greasy texture, making it perfect for massage and skin or hair treatments.
- Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil: A 100% pure and natural, premium grade carrier oil for essential oil mixing, massage, and hair tonic.
Best All-Purpose Liquid Coconut Oil (MCT)
- Sports Research Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT): Often cited for its multiple uses, from enhancing ketogenic diets to skincare and as a carrier oil. It's vegan-certified and made in a cGMP-compliant facility.
Liquid Coconut Oil Comparison Table
| Feature | Carrington Farms (Liquid Cooking) | Viva Naturals (Fractionated) | Sports Research (MCT) | NOW Solutions (Liquid) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Expeller-pressed, refined | Organic, fractionated (MCT) | Organic, fractionated (MCT) | Fractionated (MCT) |
| Best For | Cooking, high-heat sautéing | Skincare, hair, essential oil carrier | Cooking, supplements, skincare | Massage, skin/hair treatments |
| Flavor/Scent | Unflavored, unscented | Neutral, odorless | Neutral, odorless | Neutral, odorless |
| Key Benefit | Stays liquid, high smoke point | Certified organic, non-greasy | Vegan, keto-friendly, versatile | Non-greasy, excellent for massage |
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Your Intended Use
Your primary purpose is the most important factor. For high-heat cooking where no coconut flavor is wanted, a refined liquid oil is best. For topical uses, like skincare, massage, or diluting essential oils, fractionated MCT oil is the superior choice due to its lightweight, non-greasy feel and stability.
Fractionated vs. Refined
While both offer neutrality in flavor, remember the consistency difference. If you need a product that remains a liquid regardless of temperature, you must choose a fractionated (MCT) coconut oil. Refined coconut oil will still solidify below 76°F, which can be inconvenient for certain applications.
Organic Certification
For any application, especially personal care, prioritizing organic, hexane-free options is beneficial. This ensures the product is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, which is particularly important for skincare and consumption.
Packaging
Look for oils packaged in glass or BPA-free plastic. Glass jars are often preferred as they do not leach chemicals and are more sustainable. Proper storage in a cool, dark place is also key to preserving freshness.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fit
Ultimately, the best liquid coconut oil is the one that best suits your needs. For the home chef seeking a neutral, high-heat cooking oil, a quality refined liquid coconut oil like Carrington Farms is an excellent choice. However, for those focused on beauty, massage, or a stable carrier oil for essential oils, the permanently liquid, lightweight, and versatile nature of a fractionated MCT oil from brands like Viva Naturals or NOW Solutions makes it the clear winner. By understanding the differences between these types and considering your specific purpose, you can select the right product to experience the full benefits that liquid coconut oil has to offer.
Advait Living provides a comprehensive guide on identifying high-quality coconut oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is fractionated coconut oil? A: Fractionated coconut oil is a type of coconut oil where the long-chain fatty acids have been removed, leaving behind the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This process makes the oil permanently liquid and removes its coconut scent and flavor.
Q: Is fractionated coconut oil the same as MCT oil? A: Yes, fractionated coconut oil is often labeled as MCT oil because it is primarily composed of medium-chain triglycerides. MCT oil is derived from coconut oil and offers similar benefits.
Q: Can I use liquid coconut oil for cooking? A: Yes, refined liquid coconut oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it suitable for high-heat cooking and sautéing where you don't want a coconut taste. Fractionated MCT oil can also be used in cooking and baking.
Q: Is liquid coconut oil better than solid? A: Neither is inherently "better"; it depends on the application. Liquid (fractionated) oil is more stable and versatile for topical use, while solid (virgin) oil retains more natural nutrients and a distinct coconut flavor. Liquid oil also offers convenience for pouring and mixing.
Q: How do I know if my liquid coconut oil is pure? A: Pure fractionated coconut oil should be colorless, odorless, and remain liquid at all temperatures. For virgin coconut oil, the "fridge test" can help; pure oil should solidify uniformly below 76°F.
Q: Is liquid coconut oil suitable for skincare? A: Yes, fractionated liquid coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for the skin. Its lightweight, non-greasy texture allows for quick absorption, leaving skin soft and hydrated without a heavy residue.
Q: Can I use liquid coconut oil on my hair? A: Absolutely. Liquid coconut oil is a great hair treatment for moisturizing, reducing frizz, and adding shine. Because it's lightweight, it's easier to apply evenly than solid coconut oil, which must be melted first.
Q: Does liquid coconut oil clog pores? A: While virgin coconut oil is comedogenic and may clog pores for some, fractionated coconut oil is much less likely to do so because the heavier, pore-clogging fatty acids (lauric acid) have been removed. It is generally considered non-comedogenic and a better option for acne-prone or sensitive skin.
Q: Where can I buy high-quality liquid coconut oil? A: High-quality liquid coconut oil can be found at health food stores, online retailers like Amazon, and organic grocery stores. Look for certifications like USDA Organic and Non-GMO Project Verified to ensure purity.
