What is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is a lightweight, odorless carrier oil that stays liquid at room temperature, and it's the most popular base for diluting essential oils in massage oils, roller blends, and DIY body care. The coconut tree, cocos nucifera, is the only living species within that genus. It grows in warm climates and can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall. Coconuts themselves aren’t actually true nuts. Instead, they fall under the botanical classification of “drupes.” A drupe is any fruit that has flesh around a hardened seed. Peaches are one example.
Based on fossil evidence, coconut trees originated either in the Indo-Pacific or South America. They were likely present in India before the 1st century BC and they were referenced in the Ramayana (a Sanskrit epic poem). They also appeared in One Thousand and One Nights as one of the items that Sinbad the Sailor bought and sold. The oil extracted from coconuts has been used for cosmetic, culinary, and industrial purposes. It is commonly used to create oil blends in the Ayurvedic alternative medicine tradition.
Coconut oil is extracted from coconut milk or from copra, which is dried coconut fruit. This oil is a solid at room temperature. While it is possible to use this type of coconut oil as a carrier oil, it still has a more noticeable coconut aroma and it can be more inconvenient to mix. To create a more suitable oil for this purpose, we use fractionation. This involves removing long-chain fatty acids to leave mostly medium-chain fatty acids. This results in a clear, odorless liquid. Our C8 fractionated coconut oil specifically isolates C8 fatty acids.
What is in Coconut Oil?
Pyurvana’s C8 fractionated coconut oil contains 99% C8 fatty acids, specifically caprylic acid. This is also called octanoic acid and has many benefits. It is an emollient, meaning it can help to soften your skin. Unlike some other types of fatty acids, it doesn’t leave a sticky residue and is instead very smooth.
Primary Benefits
Coconut oil is excellent for moisturizing your skin. The caprylic acid helps to nourish dry areas and has a pleasant silky texture. This carrier oil is particularly well-suited to creating massage or body oils because it glides on easily. You can use coconut oil alone for a massage, or add a few drops of our 100% pure essential oils for scent. Depending on which oil you choose, you can create a cozy, spicy blend or a bright, fresh one.
Essential oils that pair well in massage blends:
- Lavender
- Cinnamon leaf
- Clove
- Ginger
- Orange
- Peppermint
Fractionated coconut oil is also great for hair care, especially for massaging your scalp. It lightly moisturizes without leaving greasy residue. After you apply the oil, leave it on for thirty minutes, then wash it out. For a more intense conditioning treatment, you can also leave coconut oil with or without essential oils in your hair overnight. Many people find it leaves dry ends feeling softer.
Essential oils that pair well in hair care blends:
- Clary sage
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Grapefruit
- Lavender
- Rosemary
How to Use Coconut Oil as a Carrier Oil
For dilution, add three drops of pure essential oil to one teaspoon of coconut oil. You should mix this thoroughly before applying. If you are using the oil on your face, three drops of essential oil in four teaspoons of coconut oil is a more ideal dilution. If you have sensitive skin, you may wish to start with a lower concentration.
Fractionated Coconut Oil FAQs
What is the difference between fractionated and regular coconut oil?
Regular coconut oil is solid at room temperature and smells like coconut. Fractionated coconut oil has had its longer-chain fats removed, so it stays liquid, has no scent, and absorbs without feeling greasy.
How do you dilute essential oils with fractionated coconut oil?
For body use, a common starting point is three drops of essential oil per teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil. For the face or sensitive skin, use far less, around three drops in four teaspoons. Strong oils such as cinnamon and clove need even more dilution.
Can you use fractionated coconut oil on your hair?
Yes. Massage a small amount into your scalp or the ends of your hair, leave it on for about thirty minutes, then wash it out. It conditions lightly without leaving a heavy, greasy feel.
Does fractionated coconut oil go bad?
Fractionated coconut oil has a very long shelf life because it resists oxidation much better than most plant oils. Keep the cap closed and store it away from heat and direct sunlight.
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