Coconut Fatty Acid is a natural mixture of saturated short- to medium-chain fatty acids obtained through the hydrolysis or saponification of coconut oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil).
Due to its unique molecular composition, it is widely used in cosmetic, personal care, detergent, and chemical industries.
Over 90% of its composition consists of saturated fatty acids, primarily:

Component	Typical Content (%)
Lauric Acid (C12:0)	45 – 52%
Myristic Acid (C14:0)	16 – 21%
Capric Acid (C10:0)	4 – 8%
Caprylic Acid (C8:0)	5 – 10%
Palmitic Acid (C16:0)	Minor
Stearic Acid (C18:0)	Minor

Chemical Structure

Coconut fatty acids are composed of saturated alkyl chains (C8–C18) terminated by a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).
This molecular structure gives rise to several key properties:

Short to medium carbon chains (C8–C14) for excellent surface activity
High saturation, ensuring strong oxidative stability
High reactivity, suitable for synthesis of soaps, esters, and amides

Physical and Chemical Properties

Property	Typical Description
Physical State	Solid or semi-solid at room temperature
Odor	Mild, characteristic coconut scent
Iodine Value	Low (indicating high saturation)
Thermal & Chemical Stability	Stable under moderate heat and alkaline conditions
Biodegradability	Readily biodegradable; environmentally friendly
Origin	100% plant-based, renewable (from coconut oil)
Skin Compatibility	Mild, non-toxic, suitable for sensitive skin
Antibacterial Properties	Naturally effective, mainly due to lauric acid content

Functional Characteristics

High Surface Activity: Reduces surface tension effectively — ideal for surfactant production
Excellent Emulsification: Useful in personal care, detergents, and pharmaceutical formulations
Thermal and Oxidative Stability: More stable than unsaturated fatty acids under normal processing conditions
Eco-Friendly Profile: Fully biodegradable and derived from renewable resources

Applications

1. Detergent and Personal Care Industry

Production of natural and transparent soaps
Used in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, and shower gels
Raw material for foam boosters and mild surfactants (e.g., Cocamide DEA / MEA)

2. Cosmetic Industry

Ingredient in moisturizing creams, lotions, lip balms, and hair oils
Ideal for dry and sensitive skin formulations

3. Food Industry

Source of MCTs (Medium-Chain Triglycerides) used in nutritional and medical diets
Employed as antifoaming or emulsifying agent in food processing

4. Industrial and Chemical Applications

Intermediate for amide, ester, resin, and surfactant synthesis
Additive for plastics, coatings, lubricants, and adhesives
Bio-based raw material for biodiesel, epoxides, and bio-lubricants

Advantages

100% natural and renewable plant-based origin
Biodegradable and environmentally safe
High foaming performance in soap formulations
Excellent stability against heat and light
Gentle on skin, suitable for sensitive skin care products
Usable in MCT oil production for ketogenic and therapeutic applications

Limitations

Higher cost compared to animal- or petrochemical-derived fatty acids
May cause mild irritation in ultra-sensitive individuals
High saturated fat content requires controlled intake in food use
Solidification at low temperatures may affect appearance in some formulations

Market Information

Coconut fatty acid is one of the most widely used plant-based fatty acids due to its broad applicability and mild, stable nature.
Market price depends on factors such as purity, lauric acid content, country of origin, coconut oil price fluctuations, import costs, and currency exchange rates.
In the Iranian market, it is available in bulk or drum packaging from various suppliers.
Industrial buyers are advised to review technical specifications (e.g., lauric acid percentage, iodine value, and melting point) before purchase to ensure product quality and performance.

Safety and Handling

Aspect	Guidelines
Hazard Classification (GHS)	Generally non-hazardous in cosmetic and industrial grades
Skin Contact	May cause dryness or mild irritation in concentrated form – gloves recommended
Eye Contact	Direct contact may cause irritation – rinse thoroughly with water
Inhalation	No significant risk; ensure ventilation during melting or heating processes
Ingestion	Not suitable for ingestion in industrial grade; food-grade is safe within regulated limits
Storage Conditions	Keep in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; avoid direct sunlight and moisture

Summary

Coconut Fatty Acid is a versatile, renewable, and eco-friendly ingredient derived from natural coconut oil, offering excellent surface activity, stability, and skin compatibility.
It serves as a key raw material in soaps, surfactants, cosmetics, and bio-based industrial formulations, combining performance, sustainability, and safety in one solution.