Fractionated coconut oil

Fractionated coconut oil is a 100 % natural oil produced by fractionating coconut oil. This process separates the oil into individual types of fatty acids. It remains liquid and is colourless and odourless. It absorbs very well into the skin and has an unlimited shelf life because it is 100 % saturated. It is a ‘dry’ oil, rich in fatty acids and moisturising components. The fractionation process removes longer-chain fatty acids, such as lauric acid, creating a lightweight blend of medium-chain fatty acids, mainly caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). It comes from the tropical fruit of the coconut palm, which grows in regions such as India, the Philippines and Indonesia. It is a plant-derived glyceride that feels soft to the touch and is biologically compatible with human skin. Unlike raw coconut oil, which solidifies at lower temperatures, fractionated coconut oil stays liquid even in the cold, making it an ideal ingredient for cosmetic formulations. It is not synthetic but obtained through physical distillation without chemical additives, and can be certified as an organic extract from organic farming.

A plant-derived glyceride with a very soft feel. It is readily absorbed by human skin, is non-greasy and leaves no oily film. It acts as an emollient, moisturising the skin by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and restoring the lipid barrier. It softens, smooths and conditions the skin. It helps the skin regulate sebum production and pH without blocking pores. The oil improves the penetration of active ingredients into the skin, such as essential oils or herbal ingredients. It acts as a solvent for oil-soluble active ingredients (maceration). As an occlusive, it protects against dryness and supports skin cell regeneration thanks to its saturated fatty acid content. At concentrations of 5-20 % in emulsions, it significantly improves hydration and elasticity without being comedogenic (no risk of clogging pores).

Recommended for dry, dehydrated, sensitive and mature skin, where it provides effective hydration without feeling heavy. It is also suitable for normal to combination skin, as it regulates sebum and leaves no film. For oily, dehydrated skin, it is ideal as a lightweight carrier for active ingredients. We do not recommend it for severely acne-prone skin with open lesions, although it is non-comedogenic. Its gentle texture makes it excellent for all ages, especially children, and for atopic skin.

A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2014) demonstrated that Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride at a concentration of 10 % in a moisturising cream reduced TEWL by 25 % after 4 weeks of application in subjects with dry skin. Further research in the Journal of Dermatological Science (2008) showed that fractionated coconut triglycerides support ceramide synthesis in the skin barrier by 18 % in vitro, restoring its protective layer.