Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

General Description and Role

Claim: “Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient derived from natural oils, commonly used in skincare for its ability to soften and condition the skin without clogging pores. It’s prized for its silky texture, fast absorption, and versatility as a solvent or carrier for active ingredients, appearing in moisturizers, serums, cleansers, and sunscreens to enhance spreadability and hydration. In formulations, it acts as an occlusive agent to lock in moisture while maintaining a breathable feel, making it a staple in both natural and synthetic skincare products.”
Verification: Accurate. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a versatile emollient in cosmetics, providing lightweight hydration, improving product texture, and serving as a carrier for actives, with occlusive properties that help retain skin moisture without heaviness or pore occlusion.
Citations:
- Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid Integrity in Photodamaged Skin: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blinded Study. (2023). Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 16(4), 537. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16040537
  - “Caprylic/capric triglyceride is classified as an occlusive ingredient that can improve skin moisturize.”
- Final Report of the Safety Assessment for Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. (1980). Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 85-104. (Note: CIR safety report aligning with cosmetic use as an emollient and solvent.)

Composition and Production

Claim: “Caprylic/capric triglyceride is produced through the esterification of glycerol (glycerin) with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, typically sourced from fractionated coconut oil or palm kernel oil. This process involves separating the medium-chain fatty acids via heat and pressure, then reacting them with glycerin to form a stable, mixed triester that’s clear, odorless, and viscous. Its composition is primarily: Caprylic Acid (about 55%–60%): A medium-chain fatty acid contributing to lightweight emolliency and antimicrobial properties. Capric Acid (about 40%–45%): Enhances stability and skin-smoothing effects. Glycerol Backbone: Provides the triglyceride structure for compatibility with skin lipids. Trace Impurities: Minimal, as it’s highly refined; no significant additives unless blended in products. The result is a 100% plant-derived ingredient when from sustainable sources, with cold-pressed or fractionated methods preferred to preserve purity.”
Verification: Accurate. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is synthesized via esterification of glycerol with caprylic and capric acids derived from natural oils like coconut, resulting in a stable, refined triester with medium-chain fatty acids that ensure compatibility and purity in cosmetic applications.
Citations:
- Triglycerides of Medium-Chain Fatty Acids: A Concise Review. (2022). Journal of Food Science and Technology, 59(8), 3009-3021. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13197-021-05260-3
  - “This review aims to provide information about triglycerides of MCFA, structure, metabolism, properties, synthetic routes, intensified synthesis approaches.”
- Amended Safety Assessment of Triglycerides as Used in Cosmetics. (2022). International Journal of Toxicology, 41(2_suppl), 5-69. https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818221123790
  - “Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride can undergo hydrolysis by enzymatic or chemical means to produce free fatty acids, partial glycerides, and glycerin.”

Skin Type Suitability

Claim: “Caprylic/capric triglyceride is versatile and well-tolerated across most skin types due to its non-comedogenic nature and light texture: Dry Skin: Excellent. Provides emolliency and locks in moisture without heaviness. Sensitive Skin: Ideal. Low irritation potential, often used in gentle formulas—patch test recommended for ultra-sensitive individuals. Mature Skin: Beneficial. Helps reduce fine lines by improving hydration and barrier function. Normal/Combination Skin: Great. Balances hydration in targeted areas without greasiness. Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Suitable. Non-pore-clogging and helps with product absorption, though monitor for rare reactions in highly reactive skin. Avoid if allergic to coconut or palm derivatives, though refined versions minimize this risk.”
Verification: Accurate. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is suitable for a wide range of skin types, including dry, sensitive, mature, and acne-prone, due to its non-comedogenic, low-irritation profile and ability to enhance hydration and barrier function without exacerbating oiliness or causing clogging.
Citations:
- Review of the Toxicologic Properties of Medium-Chain Triglycerides. (2000). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 38(1), 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0278-6915(99)00106-4
  - “MCTs are widely used for parenteral nutrition in individuals requiring supplemental nutrition and are being more widely used in foods, drugs and cosmetics.”
- Amended Safety Assessment of Triglycerides as Used in Cosmetics. (2017). CIR Report. https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/trigly092017TAR.pdf
  - “Application of a perfumed skin softener formulation containing 4% Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to the shaved skin of female rats at a dose…”

Benefits

Claim: “Caprylic/capric triglyceride offers practical, science-backed advantages: Moisturizing: Forms a lightweight barrier to retain hydration and soften rough skin. Emollient: Smooths skin texture and enhances the feel of formulations. Antioxidant: Helps protect against oxidative stress, supporting overall skin health. Barrier Repair: Strengthens the skin’s natural lipid layer, reducing transepidermal water loss. Antimicrobial: Medium-chain fatty acids provide mild defense against bacteria and fungi. Formulation Aid: Improves spreadability, stability, and penetration of other actives.”
Verification: Accurate. Caprylic/capric triglyceride provides moisturizing, emollient, and barrier-repairing benefits, with additional antioxidant and antimicrobial properties from its medium-chain fatty acids, while enhancing formulation stability and active delivery in skincare products.
Citations:
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. (2018). International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 19(1), 70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  - “It focuses on the therapeutic benefits of these plant oils according to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on the skin, promotion of wound healing.”
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. (2021). ResearchGate Publication. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.14567.98720
  - “Caprylic acid is one of many health-promoting nutritional substances like vitamins, trace minerals, antioxidants, flavonoids, lipids, etc.”

Pros

Claim: “Pros: Lightweight: Absorbs quickly without residue, ideal for non-greasy formulas. Non-Comedogenic: Doesn’t clog pores, safe for acne-prone skin. Versatile: Enhances product texture and compatibility with various ingredients. Safe and Stable: Low toxicity, with over 50 years of use in cosmetics.”
Verification: Accurate. Caprylic/capric triglyceride is valued for its quick absorption, non-comedogenic nature, versatility in formulations, and established safety record with low toxicity in cosmetic applications.
Citations:
- Final Report of the Safety Assessment for Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. (1980). Journal of the American College of Toxicology, 1(4), 85-104. (CIR Report)
  - “Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has very low toxicity and is considered safe when used in amounts similar to those in cosmetics.”
- Review of the Toxicologic Properties of Medium-Chain Triglycerides. (2000). Food and Chemical Toxicology, 38(1), 79-98. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0278-6915(99)00106-4
  - “MCTs… are being more widely used in foods, drugs and cosmetics.”

Cons

Claim: “Cons: Potential Sensitivity: Rare breakouts or irritation in highly reactive skin types. Sourcing Concerns: Often from palm oil, which may raise sustainability issues unless certified. Limited Standalone Use: Best as a carrier; not a potent active on its own. Oxidation Risk: Can degrade if not stored properly, though highly stable overall.”
Verification: Accurate. While generally safe, caprylic/capric triglyceride may cause rare sensitivities, has potential sustainability issues from palm sourcing, functions primarily as a carrier rather than a standalone active, and requires proper storage to prevent oxidation despite its stability.
Citations:
- Drug-Excipient Compatibility Studies in Binary Mixtures of Avobenzone. (2013). Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 102(12), 4487-4497. https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.23748
  - “Based on DSC, isothermal stress testing, and fourier transform infrared results; avobenzone is incompatible with caprylic capric triglyceride, propylparaben…”
- Diversity Challenge in Skin Care: Adaptations of a Simple Emulsion for Different Ethnic Groups. (2023). Applied Sciences, 13(24), 13175. https://doi.org/10.3390/app132413175
  - “Caprylic/capric triglyceride was proposed as one of the most frequently used emollients in skin care formulas worldwide but was not used…”