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My Reward PointsCoconut oil, extracted from mature coconuts, deeply moisturises skin and hair, prevents frizz, reduces dandruff, and provides antimicrobial benefits.
It is a natural, chemical-free option for hydration, shine, and dryness protection. We should understand fractionated vs unfractionated coconut oil.
If you have dry or aged skin, unfractionated coconut oil's rich and nourishing characteristics may be beneficial.
Fractionated coconut oil is a better choice for oily or acne-prone skin because it is lightweight and non-comedogenic.
What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
Fractionated coconut oil is treated to remove long-chain fatty acids, leaving only medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs).
It remains liquid at room temperature and is more durable than unfractionated coconut oil since the solid fats have been removed.
What Is Unfractionated Coconut Oil?
Unfractionated coconut oil is natural, unrefined, and contains all of its fatty acids, including short and long-chain triglycerides.
At room temperature, it is solid (harder consistency) and has fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Key Differences Between Fractionated and Unfractionated Coconut Oil
There are several key differences between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oils in terms of processing, texture, shelf life, uses for skin and hair, and storage.
1. Processing
The long-chain fatty acids are removed from fractionated coconut oil by a procedure, whereas unfractionated coconut oil is left unrefined because it has not been refined.
2. Texture
Fractionated coconut oil, which is a liquid at normal temperature, but unfractionated (ordinary or virgin) coconut oil is solid. This distinction is due to their composition and processing approach.
3. Shelf life
Fractionated coconut oil lasts longer than unfractionated coconut oil because its medium-chain triglycerides enhance stability, helping it stay fresh for extended periods without needing preservatives.
4. Uses for Skin And Hair
Another difference between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil is that the former is lightweight and suitable for greasy skin and fine hair, and the latter is rich and nourishing, ideal for dry skin and thicker hair.
5. Storage
Fractionated coconut oil stays liquid, stores easily, and resists oxidation, giving it a longer shelf life and making it convenient for consistent use in skincare, aromatherapy, and everyday applications.
Fractionated vs Unfractionated Coconut Oil - Benefits For Skin
You can study fractionated vs unfractionated coconut oil for skin in terms of the benefits they provide. Here are various advantages you can have with these oils.
Benefits of Fractionated Coconut Oil for Skin
There are numerous advantages that fractionated coconut oil may offer to your skin, including the ability to moisturise, cure scars, reduce inflammation, and maintain acne management.
1. Lightweight Moisturiser
Fractionated coconut oil is non-greasy, lightweight, and quickly absorbed into the skin, making it an excellent choice for oily or acne-prone skin.
2. Scar Treatment
Fractionated coconut oil deeply moisturises skin, boosts elasticity, offers antioxidants, and may support collagen, also helping reduce the appearance of scars and stretch marks over time. However, it cannot completely remove them.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Fractionated Coconut Oil's potent anti-inflammatory effects help soothe and calm inflamed skin, lowering redness and inflammation, while providing relief from discomfort and creating a balanced complexion for better-looking skin.
4. Acne Control
Fractionated coconut oil controls acne, is lighter in texture and is less likely to clog pores, making it an excellent choice for acne-prone skin.
5. How to Use
To moisturise, massage fractionated coconut oil onto clean, dry skin. Apply to cotton pads to remove makeup. Use as a carrier oil for essential oils or DIY beauty products. Test patches before use and recycle.
Benefits of Unfractionated Coconut Oil for Skin
Unfractionated coconut oil deeply moisturises, removes makeup, and offers antibacterial benefits, but its heavy, pore-clogging nature makes it better for dry areas or nighttime use, for acne-prone skin.
1. Deep Moisturisation
Unfractionated coconut oil contains fatty acids such as lauric acid, which helps seal in moisture and is suitable for dry skin. It penetrates deeply and hydrates dry, damaged skin.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
Coconut oil that has not been fractionated has vitamins and antioxidants that support healthy skin. It shields the skin from ageing and damage caused by free radicals.
3. Healing Properties
Unfractionated coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, antioxidants, and MCTs, offering antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturising benefits that soothe eczema, fight acne, protect skin, and also promote healing of wounds, burns and chapped skin.
4. Perfect for Sensitive Skin
With its gentle and calming properties, unfractionated coconut oil works well as a natural moisturiser, barrier repairer, and anti-inflammatory for dry, sensitive skin.
5. How to use
Unfractionated coconut oil solidifies in cold, needs warming, and should be used sparingly on hair. It works well as a thick nighttime moisturiser, lip balm, makeup remover, and homemade scrub base.
Fractionated vs Unfractionated Coconut Oil - Benefits For Hair
When comparing fractionated vs unfractionated coconut oil for hair, fractionated coconut oil promotes hair growth, rejuvenates strands, and nourishes dry, frizzy ends.
In contrast, unfractionated coconut oil similarly supports hair growth, maintains hair health, and also keeps hair soft, smooth, and well-conditioned.
Benefits of Fractionated Coconut Oil for Hair
The ingredients in fractionated coconut oil can aid in hydrating and nourishing hair, reducing frizz and increasing smoothness and shine. Here are its various benefits for hair:
1. Adds Shine
Fractionated coconut oil deeply moisturises hair, reduces frizz, smooths cuticles, and enhances natural shine.
All hair types can use it without feeling greasy or heavy, thanks to its lightweight and quick absorption.
2. Reduces frizz
Fractionated coconut oil reduces hair frizz by deeply hydrating, smoothing the cuticle, taming flyaways, adding shine, and conditioning hair without heaviness, making it ideal for dry, curly, or fine hair types.
3. Scalp Health
Fractionated coconut oil's fatty acids moisturise, reduce inflammation, and battle dandruff-causing yeast, leaving the scalp healthier, less flaky, and less itchy. Unlike normal coconut oil, it stays liquid, making it easier to use.
4. Ideal for Fine Hair
Fractionated coconut oil and other lightweight, non-greasy coconut oil options are ideal for fine or oily hair because they won't make your hair feel heavy.
5. How to Use
You can apply fractionated coconut oil to the ends of your hair, use it as a pre-shampoo treatment, or mix it with hair masks.
Benefits of Unfractionated Coconut Oil for Hair
Unfractionated coconut oil hydrates hair, reduces protein loss, controls frizz and dandruff, strengthens strands, adds shine, and protects from heat damage. Here are its benefits in brief:
1. Deep Conditioning
Unfractionated coconut oil conditions hair as its lauric acid penetrates shafts, restores moisture, reduces protein loss, adds shine, combats dryness, and is ideal for masks for dry or damaged hair, but use sparingly.
2. Prevents Protein Loss
The use of unfractionated coconut oil helps to reduce the amount of breakage that occurs in hair by preventing the loss of vital proteins.
3. Promotes Healthy Hair Growth
Unfractionated coconut oil deeply moisturises the scalp, reduces protein loss, strengthens hair, controls frizz, fights dandruff, and boosts shine. This oil offers more nutrients, and scalp massage improves absorption and growth.
4. Ideal for Thick or Dry Hair
Unfractionated coconut oil is superior to fractionated oil in terms of the amount of moisture it delivers, making it an excellent choice for thick or dry hair.
5. How to Use
Put Unfractionated Coconut Oil on your hair and skin, and let it sit for an hour or overnight. The next morning, wash it off.
Fractionated or Unfractionated Coconut Oil: Which Is Better for Your Skin & Hair?
The type of skin you have and the way you intend to use the coconut oil will determine whether you should go for fractionated or unfractionated coconut oil:
For Skin
Fractionated oil is non-greasy and suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. The rich composition and deep moisturising properties of unfractionated oil make it ideal for dry, rough, or ageing skin.
For Hair
Fractionated coconut oil works best on fine or greasy hair to avoid weighing it down. Unfractionated coconut oil is ideal for thick, dry, or damaged hair that needs thorough conditioning.
How to Choose the Right Coconut Oil for You?
The key to choosing between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil is determining which is suitable for your particular skin and hair type, not which is superior. Here are some crucial points to consider.
1. Consider Your Skin Type
Pick fractionated coconut oil if you have oily skin or skin that is prone to acne, and go for unfractionated coconut oil if you have dry or sensitive skin.
2. Consider Your Hair Type
The best results can be achieved using fractionated coconut oil for fine hair, while unfractionated coconut oil is recommended for dry or thick hair.
3. Desired Benefits
Fractionated coconut oil is lightweight, liquid, and non-greasy for cosmetics and aromatherapy.
In contrast, unfractionated coconut oil is solid, richer, ideal for cooking, deep nourishment, and intensive skin and hair care.
4. Storage Needs
The liquid form of fractionated coconut oil makes it simpler to store and manage than other types of coconut oil, like the unfractionated one.
Conclusion
Fractionated and unfractionated coconut oils differ in processing, texture, and use. Fractionated oil is lightweight, liquid, long-lasting and ideal for oily skin and fine hair.
Unfractionated oil is solid, nutrient-rich, deeply moisturising, and best for dry skin and thick or damaged hair. Try both types of oils to find which works best for you.
Finally, you may learn more about or purchase coconut oil from Vedaoils, a prominent Wholesale Supplier, Manufacturer, and Exporter of Coconut Oil in India and around the world.
