Fractionated Coconut Oil vs. Regular Coconut Oil: Comedogenicity and Use in Cream

Asked by: diow_tuatoo On: August 21, 2014 Product Type: Cosmetics Answered

Question

I want to use Fractionated Coconut Oil in a cream formulation at a concentration of 5-10% for normal to slightly oily skin.

I have seen information that regular coconut oil can clog pores. Could you please explain:

  1. Why does regular coconut oil tend to clog pores?
  2. How is Fractionated Coconut Oil different from regular coconut oil in terms of its structure and effect on pores?
  3. Is Fractionated Coconut Oil suitable for my skin type (normal to slightly oily) and for use in a cream at 5-10% concentration without causing clogged pores?

Answer

Fractionated Coconut Oil and Comedogenicity

Regarding your question about Fractionated Coconut Oil and its comedogenicity compared to regular coconut oil, the information you saw about regular coconut oil having a high comedogenic rating is generally true for some skin types, particularly those prone to clogged pores.

However, Fractionated Coconut Oil is different. It undergoes a process called fractionation, which primarily isolates the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) and removes the longer-chain fatty acids that are more likely to cause blockages in pores. This results in a lighter, non-greasy oil that is significantly less likely to be comedogenic than virgin or refined coconut oil. This difference in structure is why it feels lighter and might be described as "not really an oil" compared to the heavier feel of regular coconut oil.

For normal to slightly oily skin, Fractionated Coconut Oil is generally considered suitable and is much less likely to cause breakouts than regular coconut oil. Using it as a component in a cream formulation at a concentration of 5-10% is appropriate and should provide emollient benefits without contributing significantly to pore clogging for your skin type.