Carrier oil · FCO · liquid coconut oil · MCT oil
Fractionated coconut oil (FCO): the go-to carrier for essential oils
Fractionated coconut oil is regular coconut oil with its long-chain fats removed, leaving a clear, odourless oil that stays liquid at any temperature. It barely oxidises, doesn’t stain, and won’t compete with your essential oils’ aroma — which is why it’s the default carrier in most roller bottles.
Best for
- Roller-bottle blends
- Everyday dilution & perfume oils
- Massage that won’t stain sheets
- Travel — it never solidifies
Using it with essential oils
For a 10 ml roller at 2%, add 4 drops of essential oil and top up with FCO. It mixes evenly with every essential oil.
Need a different size or strength? The free dilution calculator gives exact drops, and the dilution chart covers every common bottle.
Pairs well with
Things to watch
Very rarely, people react to coconut-derived oils — patch-test first. Not the same as virgin coconut oil, which is solid below ~24 °C (76 °F) and smells of coconut.
Common questions
- What is fractionated coconut oil?
- Coconut oil with its long-chain fats (like lauric acid) removed, leaving medium-chain caprylic and capric triglycerides. The result is clear, odourless and liquid at room temperature.
- Is fractionated coconut oil good for essential oils?
- Yes — it’s the most popular carrier for roller blends because it’s light, absorbs quickly, has no scent of its own, and stays stable for years.
- Is FCO the same as MCT oil?
- They’re closely related: both are medium-chain triglycerides. Products sold as "MCT oil" for food can differ in their exact C8/C10 balance, so use a skin-grade FCO for topical blends.
Typical makeup figures are commonly published ranges; real oils vary with origin and processing. Always patch-test, and dilute essential oils for the person and the use. Compare all carrier oils →