Difference Between MCT Oil vs Fractionated Coconut Oil

February 04, 2026

Coconut oil is one of the most used ingredients in skin care and cosmetic industry. It is soothing and nourishing at the same time. While it comes in variants, MCT oil and Fractionated coconut oil are some of the most stable variants.

Newbies and sometimes even seasoned skin care, hair care and soap makers often get confused about the difference between MCT and coconut oil. While they both might look and feel similar, there are countless differences between the two. In this article, we explore what makes these two natural oils different and how to choose the right fit for you. We break down the extraction, composition and unique factors of both types of coconut oil.

What Is MCT Oil?

MCT oil is a type of natural oil that is prepared using coconut oil or palm oil. It is thin and pourable in consistency with little to no aroma. It is stabilized to ensure the fatty acid profile contains specific compounds like C8 and C10 only. Unlike virgin coconut oil, MCT oil is lighter and doesn’t leave a sticky feel. Its uses range from cosmetic to even oral consumption.

What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil?

Just as the name suggests, fractionated coconut oil is prepared from coconuts in a way that stabilizes its fatty acid profile. It is also thinner and pourable compared to conventional coconut oil. Another great thing about fractionated coconut oil is that it doesn’t solidify even at colder temperatures. This makes fractionated coconut oil a comparatively easier natural oil to work with. Owing to its neutral scent, it is heavily used for diluting essential oils and absolutes.

If you noticed cocos nucifera oil on ingredient list of your favorite cosmetic but do not smell coconut, there are high chances that it contains fractionated coconut oil.

Definition of Fractionated Coconut Oil

In simple words, fractionated coconut oil is a type of natural oil which is stabilized to have certain fatty acid profiles only. It is more processed than regular oil but still has the goodness of coconuts. As the name suggests, this oil is fractionated in a way that the C12 acids are removed, leaving behind a neutral scent.

How Coconut Oil Is Fractionated and Refined

It is quite a simple process. First, refined coconut oil is heated to a temperature where it becomes liquid. Next, the temperature begins to drop at a rate that the long chain fatty acids only begin to solidify. The moment these acids solidify, they are removed and filtered. This leaves behind an extract that only contains small chain fatty acids. This extract is fractionated coconut oil and is liquid even at lower temperatures.

Comparing Fractionated Coconut Oil vs Virgin Coconut Oil

Unlike virgin coconut oil, fractionated coconut oil is thinner, odorless, less greasy and liquid at cooler temperatures also. It is comparatively lightweight and can be used to dilute essential oils more easily.

Is MCT Oil the Same as Fractionated Coconut Oil?

No, MCT oil is not the same as fractionated coconut oil. While they are both mostly derived from coconuts, but have different extraction processes, chemical profiles and uses. Hence, these two should not be confused with one another.

MCT Oil vs Fractionated Coconut Oil - Key Differences Explained

MCT oil and fractionated coconut oil differ greatly in numerous ways. Understanding these differences can help you make more informed choices. Here’s a complete list of factors to understand how they are different and what makes each of them unique.

Extraction Process

MCT oil goes through a more rigorous chemical processing compared to fractionated coconut oil. Manufacturers use hydrolysis and distillation of coconut oil to create MCT oil whereas only physical processing is done using temperature selection for fractionated coconut oil.

Raw Material Selection

Another important differentiating factor between these two is raw material selection. To prepare MCT oil, refined coconut oil is mixed with palm oil whereas fractionated coconut oil is prepared using pure coconut oil only.

Appearance and Texture

MCT oil is extremely thin in consistency with almost no taste or smell. Fractionated coconut oil, on the other hand, is comparatively thicker and more sticky. It is more buttery than MCT.

Uses and Applications

MCT oil is often used for oral consumption in different diet styles, whereas fractionated coconut oil is mostly used for soap making, skincare formulations, diluting essential oils and for even making roll-on perfumes. Spas and salons use fractionated coconut oil to make massage blends using natural essential oils.

Price

Fractionated coconut oil is comparatively cheaper than MCT oil. This is because MCT oil requires more complex chemical processing. Another reason for the price difference is that MCT oil is often used for oral consumption unlike FCO. You can always bring down the cost by sourcing bulk coconut oil from sourcing it from a reliable wholesale supplier like Aromachology.

Chemical Composition

Both of these oils lack long chain fatty acids and contain short chain fatty acids which make their composition quite similar to each others’. It primarily the processing type that makes them different from each other.

Shelf Life and Storage

Fractionated coconut oil has a lesser shelf life and is more prone to oxidation. MCT oil is much more stable and has a comparatively longer shelf life. Store both of them in a cool and dark place away from direct sunlight. This reduces the chances of rancidity. Once opened, use within the BB date and keep an eye on the smell.