If you’ve browsed essential oils or DIY skincare, you’ve probably seen fractionated coconut oil recommended as the go-to “carrier oil.” It’s the light, liquid, odorless cousin of regular coconut oil — and it’s a favorite for massage, roll-ons, and everyday moisturizing. Here’s exactly what it is, how it differs from virgin and MCT oil, its best uses, and which one to buy.
Fractionated coconut oil is coconut oil with the long-chain fats removed, so it stays liquid, colorless, and odorless and feels light and non-greasy on skin. That makes it an ideal carrier oil for essential oils, a smooth massage oil, and an easy everyday moisturizer. It’s for topical use — not a cooking oil.
Below we’ll cover what fractionated coconut oil actually is, how it compares to virgin coconut oil and MCT oil, its best uses for skin and hair, how to use it, and our top picks. Let’s get into it.
What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is made by taking regular coconut oil and removing most of the long-chain fatty acids (mainly lauric acid) through a process called fractionation. What’s left is the lighter, medium-chain fats — which is why it stays liquid at any temperature, even in the fridge.
The result is a clear, colorless, virtually odorless oil that feels silky and light on the skin, absorbs without a greasy film, and has an exceptionally long shelf life. Because the fats that can go rancid quickly are removed, it resists spoiling far better than virgin coconut oil.
Those qualities make it the darling of the aromatherapy and skincare worlds. It’s the oil most people mean when they say “carrier oil” for essential oils — it spreads them evenly, doesn’t overpower their scent, and won’t stain sheets or clothes. New to the coconut oil family? Our best coconut oil buying guide explains every grade.
Fractionated vs Virgin vs MCT Oil
These three coconut-derived oils get mixed up constantly. Here’s the clear difference.
| Feature | Fractionated | Virgin | MCT oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| State | Always liquid | Solid below ~76°F | Always liquid |
| Scent | Odorless | Coconutty | Neutral |
| Main use | Skin, hair, massage | Cooking, skin, hair | Coffee, energy, keto |
| Edible? | Usually topical only | Yes | Yes |
| Feel on skin | Light, non-greasy | Richer, can feel heavy | Light |
| Shelf life | Very long | 1–2 years | Long |
Fractionated and MCT oil are chemically similar (both are the “medium-chain” fraction), but they’re marketed differently: fractionated is sold for skin, hair, and aromatherapy, while MCT oil is sold as a food for energy and keto (see our MCT oil guide). For cooking and body care with flavor, you’d want virgin coconut oil instead.
Benefits and Best Uses
Fractionated coconut oil is a genuine multitasker. Its light, odorless, non-greasy nature makes it useful all over the home and beauty routine.
- Carrier oil for essential oils — the #1 use. Dilute essential oils safely before applying to skin.
- Massage oil — glides smoothly, doesn’t stain, and washes out of fabric easily.
- Everyday moisturizer — a light layer for face or body that absorbs fast.
- Roll-on & DIY blends — perfect base for homemade perfume roll-ons and serums.
- Makeup remover — gently dissolves makeup, even waterproof.
- Beard & cuticle oil — softens without greasiness.
- After-shave & body oil — soothing and quick-absorbing.
If virgin coconut oil is the kitchen-and-body all-rounder, fractionated coconut oil is the beauty specialist — light, odorless, and endlessly mixable.
Fractionated Coconut Oil for Skin
On skin, the big advantage is texture. Fractionated coconut oil is much lighter than virgin oil, so it moisturizes without the heavy, greasy feel — making it friendlier for the face and for people who dislike rich oils. It absorbs quickly, leaves skin soft, and works as a clean base for adding a few drops of essential oil.
It’s also non-staining and long-lasting, which is why it’s the standard base for massage and body oils. For deeper, richer moisture (like on very dry patches), some people still prefer virgin coconut oil — see our full coconut oil for skin guide to compare.
Even gentle oils can irritate sensitive skin. Dab a little on your inner forearm and wait 24 hours before using it on your face or a large area, especially when blending in essential oils.
Fractionated Coconut Oil for Hair
For hair, fractionated coconut oil is the lightweight option. It smooths frizz, adds shine, and tames flyaways without weighing hair down or leaving it looking oily — great for fine hair or for a leave-in touch-up. Because it’s odorless, it also won’t compete with your styling products or fragrance. For a deep, penetrating pre-wash treatment, virgin coconut oil is the classic choice; see our coconut oil for hair guide.
The Best Fractionated Coconut Oil
Look for 100% pure fractionated coconut oil with no additives, ideally in a bottle with a pump or dropper for easy dispensing. Here’s our editors’ pick.
Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil
BEST OVERALL
Why we picked it: A clean, 100% pure fractionated coconut oil that’s light, odorless, and non-greasy — exactly what you want in a carrier oil. It spreads essential oils evenly, doubles as a smooth massage and body oil, and absorbs fast without a residue. The generous 16 oz bottle with a pump makes it easy to dispense for daily skincare, DIY roll-ons, and aromatherapy blends.
- Type: Fractionated
- Size: 16 fl oz
- Scent: Odorless
- Feel: Light, non-greasy
- Best for: Carrier, massage, skin
- Dispensing: Pump bottle
- ✅ 100% pure — no additives
- ✅ Odorless & colorless — perfect carrier
- ✅ Light, non-greasy — absorbs fast
- ✅ Non-staining — great for massage
- ✅ Long shelf life — resists rancidity
Check the latest price & reviews on Amazon. Price and availability can change.
Best for: anyone who wants a clean, versatile carrier oil for essential oils, massage, and light everyday skincare.
🤝 Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’d use ourselves.
Three fractionated coconut oils compared
All three are pure and skin-friendly. Choose by your priority — overall value, essential-oil blending, or organic.
| Product | Best for | Size | Highlight | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handcraft Blends | Best overall | 16 oz | Pure, pump bottle, great value | Check on Amazon |
| Majestic Pure | Best for essential oils | 16 oz | Popular aromatherapy carrier | Check on Amazon |
| Viva Naturals Organic | Best organic | 16 oz | Organic, skin & hair moisturizer | Check on Amazon |
How to Use Fractionated Coconut Oil
It’s about as easy as an oil gets. A few of the most popular ways:
- As a carrier: add a few drops of essential oil to a teaspoon of fractionated coconut oil before applying to skin (follow safe dilution guidelines for each essential oil).
- As a moisturizer: smooth a small amount onto damp skin after showering.
- As a massage oil: warm a little in your hands and apply — it glides and won’t stain.
- In a roll-on: fill a roller bottle with the oil plus your favorite essential-oil blend for an easy travel perfume or pulse-point remedy.
- As a makeup remover: massage over the face, then wipe away with a warm cloth.
Fractionated coconut oil is sold and used as a topical/beauty oil, not a food. For eating and cooking, use virgin or refined coconut oil, or a food-grade MCT oil for drinks.
Safety and Storage
Fractionated coconut oil is gentle and well tolerated by most people, but a few sensible habits help:
- Patch test before first use, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
- Dilute essential oils properly — the oil is the carrier, not a license to use essential oils undiluted.
- Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight; no need to refrigerate.
- Keep the cap clean and closed. Thanks to its stability, it lasts a very long time.
Avoid fractionated coconut oil if you’re allergic to coconut, and check with a doctor if you’re unsure. Stop use if you notice redness, itching, or irritation. This article is general information, not medical advice — see our wellness disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fractionated coconut oil used for?
It’s mainly used as a carrier oil for essential oils, a massage and body oil, a light moisturizer, a makeup remover, and a base for DIY roll-ons and skincare. It’s for topical use, not cooking.
Is fractionated coconut oil the same as MCT oil?
They’re chemically similar — both are the medium-chain fraction of coconut oil — but they’re marketed differently. Fractionated is sold for skin and aromatherapy; MCT oil is sold as a food for energy and keto.
Can you eat fractionated coconut oil?
Products labeled “fractionated coconut oil” are generally sold for topical use, not as food. If you want an edible version, choose a food-grade MCT oil instead.
Is fractionated coconut oil good for your face?
Its light, non-greasy texture makes it a popular facial moisturizer and cleansing oil for many people. Patch test first, and if your skin is acne-prone, introduce any new oil cautiously.
Does fractionated coconut oil go bad?
Rarely — removing the long-chain fats gives it an exceptionally long shelf life. Stored cool and closed, it lasts for years.
Fractionated or virgin coconut oil for skin?
Choose fractionated for a light, fast-absorbing, odorless feel and for blending essential oils. Choose virgin for richer moisture and if you like the coconut scent.
Your Quick-Start Checklist
- Buy 100% pure fractionated coconut oil
- Prefer a pump or dropper bottle for easy use
- Use it as a carrier for essential oils (diluted)
- Great for massage, moisturizing & roll-ons
- Patch test before first use
- Store at room temperature, out of sunlight
- Use virgin or MCT oil for cooking/eating instead
The Bottom Line
Fractionated coconut oil is the light, odorless, non-greasy member of the coconut oil family — the perfect carrier oil for essential oils and a smooth all-purpose base for massage, moisturizing, and DIY beauty. It absorbs fast, won’t stain, and lasts for years. For a clean, versatile bottle, our pick is Handcraft Blends Fractionated Coconut Oil. Keep it for your skin and aromatherapy routine, and reach for virgin or MCT oil when you want to cook or eat.
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