Some essential oils can be used neat (without dilution) for external use, but often it’s best to dilute the essential oil with a carrier oil to increase absorption and to avoid potential skin irritation.
Enter the wonderful world of Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO).
Whole, virgin coconut oil is solid at room temperature. But when whole coconut oil goes through a process to remove the smaller fatty acids and long-chain triglycerides, it leaves only saturated fats or a “fraction of the whole,” and the more liquid FCO is born.
Since essential oils evaporate more quickly than a carrier oil, using FCO in conjunction with your essential oil of choice will help it stay on your skin and absorb a little longer.
Diluting essential oils can also help you make the most of every drop of essential oil. Plus, if you’re using essential oils as part of a massage, adding FCO will give you enough extra lubrication to get the essential oils where they need to go.
FCO has several other attributes and benefits:
- It has no double bonds so it will never oxidize and go rancid.
- It is odorless and colorless.
- It doesn’t stain easily and will wash out of clothes and sheets.
- It can work as a lotion, leaving skin soft and smooth with no greasy feeling.
- It won’t clog pores or aggravate skin problems.
- It makes a great make-up remover.
- It is digestible and can be used in cooking.