The question of whether a coconut essential oil exists is common and highlights a significant misunderstanding in natural products. The term “coconut essential oil” is misleading because coconut oil is not a true essential oil. This confusion stems from the widespread use of coconut oil in aromatherapy and skincare, necessitating a clear distinction between two fundamentally different types of plant extracts: essential oils and fatty oils. Understanding this difference is important, as it defines their properties, uses, and safety considerations.
Essential Oils and Fixed Oils: Defining the Difference
A true essential oil is characterized by its volatility, meaning it evaporates readily at room temperature and releases a strong aroma. These oils are typically extracted from the aromatic parts of a plant, such as leaves, flowers, or bark, primarily through steam distillation or cold-pressing citrus rinds. Essential oils are composed of small, highly concentrated aromatic molecules, like terpenes, and they do not leave a greasy residue when they evaporate.
Coconut oil, in contrast, belongs to the category of fixed oils, also known as fatty oils or carrier oils. These oils are non-volatile and are derived from the fatty parts of the plant, such as seeds, nuts, or kernels, through pressing or extraction. Fixed oils, including coconut oil, are primarily composed of large triglyceride molecules (fatty acids combined with glycerol).
The larger molecular structure of triglycerides prevents fixed oils from evaporating, causing them to leave a noticeable, greasy stain. This non-volatile nature means coconut oil cannot be effectively extracted using steam distillation, the primary method for obtaining true essential oils. Since coconut oil does not contain the small, aromatic, volatile compounds that define an essential oil, it is correctly classified as a fixed oil.
Fractionated Coconut Oil: The Real Product Behind the Confusion
The product most often mistaken for a coconut essential oil is Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO). FCO is not a raw extract but a processed form of standard coconut oil that undergoes fractionation. This procedure involves heating and slowly cooling the oil to separate the long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) from the medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs).
The heavier LCFAs, which solidify at room temperature and give virgin coconut oil its solid state, are removed during this process. What remains is a liquid oil composed primarily of capric acid and caprylic acid (specific MCFAs). This resulting product, often labeled as Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride or MCT oil, remains in a free-flowing liquid state regardless of ambient temperature.
FCO resolves many practical issues associated with using virgin coconut oil in aromatherapy. It is odorless and colorless, so it does not interfere with the aroma or appearance of true essential oils. Its light texture, quick absorption rate, and long shelf life (due to the removal of easily spoiled LCFAs) contribute to its market appeal.
The Critical Role of Coconut Oil as a Carrier
Coconut oil, particularly the fractionated version, plays a significant function in aromatherapy as a carrier oil. Carrier oils are necessary to dilute the highly concentrated nature of true essential oils before they are applied to the skin. Applying essential oils undiluted can cause skin irritation, sensitization, or even a burn, so the carrier oil provides a buffer.
The carrier oil acts as a vehicle, aiding in the safe topical application and controlled absorption of the essential oil compounds into the skin. Fractionated coconut oil is especially favored for this purpose because of its non-greasy feel and ability to spread easily without clogging pores. Virgin coconut oil can also be used as a carrier, but its heavier consistency and solid state at cooler temperatures make FCO the preferred option for liquid blends and roll-ons.
For safe topical use, essential oils should be properly diluted with a carrier oil, such as FCO. A common dilution ratio for general adult use is 2%, which equates to approximately two drops of essential oil per teaspoon (5 milliliters) of carrier oil. For sensitive skin, children, or facial applications, a more conservative 1% dilution is often recommended.