Coconut oil: Regular vs. Fractionated, What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between regular coconut oil from the jar vs. a “fractionated” coconut oil? This question comes up at almost every essential oil workshop I teach. Coconut oil makes for an excellent carrier oil for essential oil dilution, which is why many of us are curious about it.

So why should we consider using fractionated coconut oil and what is it?
Basically, fractionated coconut oil (FCO) aka "liquid coconut oil" is a form of the oil that has had the long chain fatty acids removed via hydrolysis and steam distillation. This leaves mainly the medium-chain triglycerides and allowing your coconut oil to remain a liquid.

How do you use FCO?
It is ideal to use as a carrier oil for using essential oils topically to not only protect the skin, but to increase absorption since essential oils can evaporate from the skin rapidly. Add it to a roller bottle with your essential oils to create blends, or a small amount to the palm of your hand then add your essential oils to the mixture.

It's perfect for DIY recipes, to include in hand soaps, as a natural makeup remover, hair conditioner, nail care, in massage therapy, in green cleaning (leather conditioner and furniture polishes for example), and the uses go on and on.

Where do I purchase fractionated coconut oil?

You can purchase fractionated coconut oil from most health food stores, or online. I prefer the quality of doTERRA’s fractionated coconut oil, which I’ll link up with my discount.

Tip: You can find pump tops at many essential oil supply stores and it just makes things less messy and ever easier to use!⠀

Are you still buying your essential oils from the grocery store? It’s time to upgrade!

Visit my essential oils page to see the more on the brand we chose and love.