Fractionated Coconut (MCT)

Description

Latin name: Cocos nucifera
Extraction method: Vacuum distilled
Storage: Highly stable, long shelf life

(Please note: Refrigeration can help to to extend the life of all carrier oils) 

Why Use

Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) (MCT) is odorless, clear, lightweight, non-greasy, easily absorbed, and highly stable (resists rancidity); it is also non-staining and can be washed out of fabric such as sheets and clothing.

FCO is a part or ‘fraction’ of natural, whole coconut oil, it has had the long-chain triglycerides (fatty acids) separated and removed, leaving the medium-chain triglycerides (MCT). This separation is a physical, not chemical, process, so there are no undesirable chemical residues left behind.

FCO can be used alone or blended with other carrier oils for massage and skincare. It is good for all skin types to soothe, soften, and protect, and does not clog pores. It is also excellent as a base for perfumes and bath oils.

Carrier oils are also known as base oils, massage oils, and fixed oils. They are extracted from various types and parts of plants, including the nuts, seeds, leaves, and flowers.

Carrier oils are used in aromatherapy to dilute essential oils to a level that is safe to use on the skin. They mainly consist of fatty acids or lipids. These fatty acids have therapeutic properties that add additional benefits to an essential oil blend.

When combining essential oils with carrier oils, follow the instruction leaflet included with each essential oil, paying attention to the safety guidelines. As with essential oils, carrier oils can be blended together to create a synergy. For example, to make a rich massage oil for dry skin, add some jojoba oil to sweet almond oil. For mature skin, add some rosehip seed oil or for wound care add some tamanu.

Did You Know?

Although the FDA classifies a coconut as a tree nut for food labeling purposes, coconut’s botanical classification is actually a fruit.

“A nut can be defined as a one-seeded fruit. With that loose definition, a coconut can also be a nut. However, a coconut is not a true nut. A true nut, such as the acorn, are indehiscent or do not open at maturity to release its seeds. The seeds are released when the fruit wall decays or are digested by an animal.” Library of Congress

A 2018 Study “Correlation of negative skin-prick test results for tree nuts and successful tree nut challenges among children with peanut allergy” concluded that “Despite current recommendations to avoid all tree nuts for patients with peanut allergy, the majority of patients with peanut allergy had negative SPTs and food challenges to certain tree nuts, especially macadamia, pine nut, and coconut. This pattern was seen despite most patients having multiple nut sensitizations.”

This information is provided for educational purposes only. Essential 3 recommends following the guidance of your health care provider.

New Product:
Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil (MCT)

We have sourced a high-quality Organic FCO and are now offering this organic version. Same great qualities, odorless, clear, lightweight, non-greasy, easily absorbed, and highly stable with the added benefit of being organic.

At Essential 3, we select what we believe to be the best carrier oils. Whenever possible, we use unrefined versions of the oils as they contain more natural constituents, including vitamins and other beneficial ingredients.