Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO) and Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (CCT) are often confused or used interchangeably in the marketplace, but they are not exactly the same.
Here's a detailed explanation of the differences:
Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)
Composition: Fractionated coconut oil is derived from regular coconut oil through a process called fractionation. This process involves removing the long-chain fatty acids (such as lauric acid, C12) from the oil, leaving behind only the short-chain and medium-chain fatty acids. The resulting product is a liquid oil at room temperature that typically contains a mixture of short-chain triglycerides (C6, C8) and medium-chain triglycerides (C10, C12).
Fatty Acid Profile: FCO retains a broader range of fatty acids compared to Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, including both short-chain and medium-chain triglycerides.
INCI Name: The INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name for fractionated coconut oil is often listed simply as "Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil."
Applications: FCO is widely used in skincare, haircare, and personal care products due to its lightweight, non-greasy feel and good absorption properties. It has moisturizing and emollient benefits but may contain a broader range of fatty acids that can contribute to a different feel and functionality in formulations.
Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (CCT)
Composition: CCT is a more refined product derived specifically from the medium-chain triglycerides found in coconut oil. It consists of only caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) triglycerides, which are medium-chain fatty acids. During the manufacturing process, these two specific fatty acids are isolated and combined with glycerol, resulting in a pure and consistent triglyceride product.
Fatty Acid Profile: CCT contains only the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), making it a highly stable and lightweight oil.
INCI Name: The INCI name for Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides is "Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride."
Applications: CCT is commonly used in cosmetic formulations where a very light, non-greasy, and fast-absorbing oil is desired. It is often chosen for its stability and long shelf life, making it ideal for sensitive skin and products aimed at minimizing potential triggers for conditions like fungal acne.
Key Differences
Composition: FCO contains a broader range of fatty acids, including short-chain, medium-chain, and possibly trace amounts of long-chain triglycerides, whereas CCT is a highly purified product containing only the medium-chain fatty acids (C8 and C10).
Texture and Absorption: CCT is lighter and absorbs more quickly than FCO due to its more refined composition. FCO, while still light, may feel slightly heavier on the skin because of its broader fatty acid profile.
Stability and Shelf Life: CCT is more stable and has a longer shelf life compared to FCO, which may still contain components that are prone to oxidation.
Fungal Acne Considerations: For those concerned with fungal acne, CCT is generally a safer choice because it lacks the broader range of fatty acids that could potentially feed the fungus. FCO, with its more varied composition, might still contain components that could exacerbate fungal acne.
While Fractionated Coconut Oil and Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides are derived from coconut oil, they are not the same. FCO is a broader product with a mixture of short- and medium-chain triglycerides, while CCT is a purified form consisting solely of the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic (C8) and capric (C10). This distinction is particularly important for those formulating for sensitive skin or fungal acne, where the pure composition of CCT may be more beneficial. Despite these differences, in many formulations, the choice between the two may not significantly impact the final product, unless specific skin concerns are being addressed.
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