Understanding the Raw Material: Normal Coconut Oil
Normal, or unrefined (virgin/extra-virgin), coconut oil is extracted directly from the meat of coconuts and is minimally processed. This results in a product that is solid below 75°F (24°C) due to its high concentration of saturated fats, particularly lauric acid (C12). It retains a distinct coconut scent and flavor, making it a popular choice for cooking, baking, and traditional health and beauty applications.
Characteristics of Normal Coconut Oil
- Composition: A full spectrum of fatty acids, with about 50% being lauric acid.
- State: Solid at room temperature; melts into a clear liquid when heated.
- Aroma: Has a noticeable coconut scent and taste.
- Uses: Widely used in cooking, baking, deep hair conditioning, and as a natural skin moisturizer.
- Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and lauric acid, known for its antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is deeply moisturizing for skin and hair but can feel heavy and may clog pores for some skin types.
The Refinement Process: Creating Fractionated Coconut Oil
Fractionated coconut oil (FCO) is produced by taking normal coconut oil and putting it through a process called fractionation. This involves heating the oil and then cooling it slowly. Because different fatty acids have different melting points, the solid components (primarily the long-chain fatty acids and lauric acid) can be separated and removed from the liquid portion.
Characteristics of Fractionated Coconut Oil
- Composition: Consists mostly of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), specifically caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
- State: Always liquid, regardless of temperature.
- Aroma: Odorless and tasteless, as the fragrant fatty acids have been removed.
- Uses: Prized as a carrier oil for essential oils, massage oil, and in cosmetic formulations because it won't interfere with other fragrances and remains liquid. It is also used as a dietary supplement (often marketed as MCT oil) for a quick energy source.
- Benefits: Lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly into the skin. It has a very long shelf life and is resistant to oxidation and rancidity. The removal of lauric acid makes it less likely to clog pores, making it more suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Fractionated vs. Normal Coconut Oil
| Feature | Normal Coconut Oil | Fractionated Coconut Oil |
|---|---|---|
| Physical State | Solid below 75°F (24°C) | Liquid at all temperatures |
| Processing | Unrefined (Virgin/Extra-Virgin) | Refined, through fractionation |
| Fatty Acid Profile | Full spectrum, high in lauric acid (C12) | Primarily caprylic (C8) and capric acid (C10) |
| Aroma & Flavor | Distinct coconut smell and taste | Odorless and tasteless |
| Absorption Rate | Slower; can feel heavier or greasy | Lightweight and quickly absorbed |
| Best For... | Cooking, baking, deep moisturizing, antimicrobial applications | Carrier oil for essential oils, massage oil, lightweight skincare |
| Shelf Life | Shorter; prone to oxidation over time | Long, stable shelf life due to refinement |
| Comedogenic Rating | Can clog pores for some skin types | Non-comedogenic; suitable for acne-prone skin |
Choosing the Right Coconut Oil for Your Needs
The choice between fractionated and normal coconut oil depends on its intended use. For culinary applications where a nutty flavor and high-heat stability are desired, normal coconut oil is the clear winner. It is also the preferred option for natural remedies where the full array of fatty acids, including the powerful antimicrobial lauric acid, is sought after.
On the other hand, for cosmetic applications, particularly in aromatherapy or as a non-greasy moisturizer, fractionated coconut oil is the superior choice. Its odorless, liquid nature and long shelf life make it a versatile and stable base for many DIY products. When purchasing, always check the product's description to ensure you are getting the correct oil for your specific purpose.
Conclusion
While both fractionated and normal coconut oil originate from the same source, their distinct processing methods result in two products with very different properties and uses. Normal coconut oil is a multi-purpose, whole-food product, while fractionated coconut oil is a specialized, refined ingredient. Understanding these differences allows consumers to make informed choices, whether for cooking, skincare, or health supplementation.
For more information on the processing and chemical composition of coconut oil, the American Heart Association provides a detailed breakdown of saturated fats like those found in coconut oil.
What is the difference between fractionated and normal coconut oil?: Key takeaways
- Composition Varies: Normal coconut oil contains a full spectrum of fatty acids, while fractionated coconut oil has had the long-chain fats, including lauric acid, removed.
- Physical State Differs: Normal coconut oil is solid at room temperature; fractionated coconut oil remains liquid at all times.
- Uses Are Specific: Normal coconut oil is ideal for cooking and deep moisturization, whereas fractionated is best as a lightweight carrier oil for cosmetics and essential oils.
- Absorption and Feel: Fractionated coconut oil is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, making it better for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Shelf Life Advantage: Fractionation removes components that lead to rancidity, giving fractionated coconut oil a longer and more stable shelf life.
- Odor and Taste: Normal coconut oil has a distinct coconut scent and flavor, while fractionated is odorless and tasteless.
FAQs
Q: Is fractionated coconut oil better for your skin? A: For sensitive, oily, or acne-prone skin, fractionated coconut oil is often better because it's lighter and less likely to clog pores. However, normal coconut oil's lauric acid content offers antimicrobial benefits that some prefer.
Q: Can you cook with fractionated coconut oil? A: While some FCO is food grade (often sold as MCT oil), it has a lower smoke point and no coconut flavor, so normal coconut oil is generally preferred for cooking. Check the label to ensure it's food-safe.
Q: What is the difference between MCT oil and fractionated coconut oil? A: They are essentially the same product. FCO is typically marketed for cosmetic use, while MCT oil is a term for the dietary supplement version. Both are primarily caprylic (C8) and capric acid (C10).
Q: Why is fractionated coconut oil more expensive than normal coconut oil? A: The extra processing required for fractionation, which heats, cools, and filters the oil, adds to the production cost.
Q: Does fractionated coconut oil have antibacterial properties? A: Yes, but to a lesser extent than normal coconut oil. FCO retains caprylic and capric acid, which have antimicrobial properties, but lacks the higher concentration of lauric acid that gives normal coconut oil its strong antibacterial punch.
Q: Can I make fractionated coconut oil at home? A: No, the true fractionation process requires specialized industrial equipment to accurately separate the fatty acid fractions. Simple home methods of melting and cooling will not remove the key components properly.
Q: Which type of coconut oil is best for oil pulling? A: Normal (unrefined/virgin) coconut oil is traditionally used for oil pulling due to its rich lauric acid content and potent antibacterial properties, which proponents believe are key for oral health benefits.
