# 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.

Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/carrier-oils/fractionated-coconut-oil

## At a glance

- **Also called:** FCO · liquid coconut oil · MCT oil
- **Botanical name:** Cocos nucifera
- **Made from:** Coconut kernel oil
- **Extraction:** Fractionated (the long-chain fats removed)
- **Texture:** Light
- **Absorption:** Fast, non-greasy
- **Scent:** None
- **Shelf life:** 2+ years — very stable
- **Make-up:** Medium-chain triglycerides of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acid; the lauric acid that makes coconut oil solid is removed

## Best for

- Roller-bottle blends
- Everyday dilution & perfume oils
- Massage that won’t stain sheets
- Travel — it never solidifies

## How to use it

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.

Dilution help: https://essential-oils.club/tools/dilution-calculator · https://essential-oils.club/tools/dilution-chart

## Cautions

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.

## Frequently asked 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.

_Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._