Everything You Need to Know About Fractionated Coconut Oil
Originally published on Annmarie Gianni All Natural Skincare Blog.
We put coconut oil on everything. Literally everything from our skin to our hair to our popcorn. The fatty acids in it make it the most weight-loss-friendly fat around, boosting your metabolism and giving you all the nutrients you need for strong and healthy skin and hair. We’re die-hard fans, so even we were shocked when we found something that trumps coconut oil.
The new holy grail? Fractionated coconut oil.
What is fractionated coconut oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is made from regular coconut oil that passes through the process of fractionation where it’s long-chain fatty acids are removed through hydrolysis and steam distillation. Most of the 12-carbon lauric acid (C12) is also removed from the oil, leaving behind predominantly medium-chain fatty acids caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10).
Because different elements of the oil have different melting points, it is able to be separated through a process of heating and cooling the oil. The long-chain fatty acids and 12-carbon lauric acid cooler sooner than the rest of the oil and naturally separate. At this point, they are removed and the fractionation is complete.
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C8 and C10 fatty acids are responsible for the ultra-moisturizing effects of coconut oil, so we don’t lose any hydration through the process. Fractionated coconut oil also has high amounts of vitamin A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants which help firm the appearance of aging skin and keep you looking tight and bouncy.
Benefits of fractionated coconut oil
The main difference and reason we love fractionated coconut oil is the consistency. You can store fractionated coconut oil in the fridge without it hardening. This makes it a much better carrier oil than regular coconut oil and an amazing base for DIY moisturizers, serums, and any other hydration concoctions you want to make.
Here are just a few of the amazing benefits of fractionated coconut oil.
Weight loss
Fractionated coconut oil, sometimes referred to as MCT oil because of its high concentration of MCTs, is considered one of the best fats for you. The MCTs help curb hunger and lower calorie intake because the calories it’s made up of hold more nutrients. They also are believed to prevent stored fat while burning more fat.
Can be used as cooking oil
Like we’ve mentioned, fractionated coconut oil is a great fat to add to your diet and it can be heated to greater temperatures than other cooking oils while still maintaining its structure.
Improved exercise performance
MCT is thought to serve as an energy source during endurance exercise so your body doesn’t resort to burning glycogen in the muscle tissues.
Great carrier oil
The best base for all DIY home remedies and mixes. Anything you would have put regular coconut oil in (or didn’t because of its consistency) will be made better with fractionated coconut oil. And now you can use all types of bottles with lids that use straws or even a dropper.
Can be applied directly onto skin
Did we mention fractionated coconut oil is the best hydration we’ve ever experienced? Slap it on after a shower, a day in the sun, or literally whenever, for smooth, glowing skin that radiates health.
Hydration also plays a major role in anti-aging preventative care. By keeping your skin moisturized, you can prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Stop that dead in its tracks with fractionated coconut oil.
Can be used as oil in massages
Get that soft, smooth glide without the prep work of heating the coconut oil. And because it’s an amazing carrier oil you can add whatever essential oil calms you. We recommend lavender or chamomile.
Works as makeup remover
Apply to a non-abrasive washcloth or cotton swab and wipe away a day of makeup. The oil also has deeply nourishing properties to keep your skin healthy and balanced.
Gets rid of cracked heels
It’s an insanely intense moisturizer. You can use it to soothe cracked heels through its deep hydration.
Great as hair conditioner
We’ve all been there—heating globs of coconut oil in our palms until we think it’s mostly liquid, only to find that we are in fact smashing chunks of hard coconut oil onto our scalp. The liquid coconut oil allows you to evenly apply to oil from root to tip to ensure full coverage and hydration.
Perfect moisturizer for sensitive skin
Coconut oil in any form is a great, full-body moisturizer. However, this makes it much easier. Similar to using it as a hair conditioner, you’re able to get full, even coverage on your skin.
Great as an aftershave cream
The calming effects of coconut oil will help hydrate your freshly shaven body while soothing any razor burn and minimizing the appearance of red bumps.
Always patch test first
If you’re new to coconut oil, take it easy. Whenever you introduce a new product into your beauty routine or diet it’s good to test it out on a small patch of skin for about a week to make sure you do not have any allergic reactions to it.
Fractionated coconut oil is well tolerated by most people. However, it may cause digestive problems in some cases, so be aware of your body when you begin to cook with or consume fractionated coconut oil. Do a daily body scan and check in to make sure everything is copacetic.
Fractionated coconut oil is as real as it gets, made from the regular coconut oil you know and love…only easier to use in liquid form. The two fatty acids, C8 and C10, hold amazing properties that lead to an array of health and beauty benefits. From weight loss to endurance to razor burn, fractionated coconut oil really does it all.