Good day my natural skincare lovers, today we are delving into the mysteries of coconut oil and finding out what really is the difference between the hard and the soft stuff, and whether or not it's the same, but different?
Coconut oil is a well known ingredient in natural skincare, known for its deep hydration, skin nourishing properties, and versatility. However, if you've ever shopped for coconut oil based products, you may have come across two types: fractionated and unfractionated. But what’s the difference, and which one is best for your skincare routine? Lemme break it down for you!
What Is Unfractionated Coconut Oil?
The solid stuff, unfractionated coconut oil, also known as virgin or pure coconut oil, is the most natural form of coconut oil. It is extracted from the flesh of the coconut and retains all of its natural components, including saturated fats, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds.
Benefits of Unfractionated Coconut Oil:
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Deeply Moisturising – Packed with fatty acids like lauric acid, it helps lock in moisture, making it ideal for dry skin.
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Rich in Nutrients – Contains vitamins and antioxidants that support skin health.
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Antibacterial & Antifungal – Naturally helps combat bacteria and fungi, making it great for acne-prone skin.
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Solid at Room Temperature – Due to its high saturated fat content, it solidifies in cooler temperatures, which can affect its ease of use.
Wild Rising Products That Contain Unfractionated Coconut Oil:
Refreshing Peppermint Lip Balm
What Is Fractionated Coconut Oil?
The runny stuff, fractionated coconut oil undergoes a process that removes certain fatty acids (mainly lauric acid), keeping only medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). This results in a lightweight, liquid form of coconut oil that is more stable and versatile.
Benefits of Fractionated Coconut Oil:
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Lightweight & Non-Greasy – Absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling heavy.
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Stays Liquid – Unlike unfractionated coconut oil, it remains in liquid form, making it easier to use in skincare formulations.
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Longer Shelf Life – More resistant to oxidation, meaning it won’t go rancid as quickly.
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Ideal for Sensitive Skin – Without lauric acid, it is less likely to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone and sensitive skin types.
Wild Rising Products That Contain fractionated Coconut Oil:
Bloom: Coconut & Rose Body Oil from
Sundaze: Coconut & Orange Body Oil
Unwind: Chamomile & Neroli Bath Salts, 300g & 125g
Awaken: Lavender, Jasmine & Rose Bath Salts, 300g & 125g
Hero: Eucalyptus & Lavender Bath Salts, 300g & 125g
Uplift: Orange, Lemon & Peppermint Bath Salts, 300g & 125g
Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing between fractionated and unfractionated coconut oil depends on your skin type and how you plan to use it:
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If you have dry or mature skin, unfractionated coconut oil’s rich, nourishing properties may be ideal.
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If you have oily or acne-prone skin, fractionated coconut oil is a better choice due to its lightweight, non-comedogenic nature.
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For DIY skincare, fractionated coconut oil blends easily with essential oils and other ingredients.
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If you love a natural, raw skincare experience, unfractionated coconut oil is the way to go.
So now you know the difference
Both types of coconut oil offer incredible skincare benefits, but the best choice depends on your own personal needs. Whether you opt for deeply moisturising unfractionated coconut oil or the lightweight versatility of fractionated coconut oil, you can enjoy the natural goodness of coconut in your skincare routine.
You can shop all our natural skin and body care products containing both types of coconut oil here.
At Wild Rising Skincare, we love to use only the best natural and organic ingredients to nourish and care for your skin, because you deserve nothing less. Discover more about our vision and what makes us one of the UK’s leading natural skincare brands here.