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Skincare Ingredient

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Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

In Skincare: Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects

Comedogenicity (pore clogging)
1/5 — Very low risk
Safety (overall safety)
1/5 — Very low risk
Irritancy (skin irritation)
1/5 — Very low risk

Safety Information

CIR-reviewed and widely considered safe; generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing; low comedogenic potential, though very acne-prone individuals may still react to some emollients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data is available for its use in leave-on products at concentrations above 15%.

Quick Insights

At a glance

  • 01

    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride offers emollient properties and delivers beneficial fatty acids to the skin.

  • 02

    This ingredient is sourced from coconut oil and glycerin.

  • 03

    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride enhances product spreadability on the skin.

  • 04

    It can function as a thickening agent in formulations and potentially improve the penetration of other active ingredients.

  • 05

    Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride appears as a clear, non-viscous liquid.

Key Benefits

What Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride does for your skin

1 benefits
Hydration

Overview

Ingredient Profile

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil and glycerin that helps to hydrate and smooth skin. Its fatty acid composition replenishes the skin's surface, creating a barrier that helps prevent moisture loss. Widely considered gentle and non-comedogenic, it is commonly used in skincare formulations at concentrations up to 50% to improve product spreadability and provide moisturizing benefits.
Classifications
Emollient
Texture Enhancer
Plant Extracts

Data & Research

Scientific Facts

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an oily mixed ester composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids, sourced from coconut oil. It’s valued in cosmetics due to its stability, solubility, and lack of odor or color.

Common Uses

Formulation in Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is used in cosmetic formulations to help reduce water loss from the skin by creating a barrier on the surface. It can also be used to adjust the viscosity or thickness of liquid products.

Role of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Active Cosmetic Mechanisms

FRAGRANCE

Scent Provider

Adds pleasant scent to cosmetic products

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Fragrance ingredients provide aromatic appeal through essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts. These volatile compounds interact with olfactory receptors creating scent perception. Fragrance design considers top notes (high volatility), middle notes (moderate volatility), and base notes (low volatility) for scent development over time. Must consider stability, allergen content, and regulatory compliance.

PERFUMING

Fragrance Provider

Provides fragrance to enhance product appeal

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Perfuming ingredients add pleasant scents through complex mixtures of natural essential oils, aroma chemicals, and synthetic compounds. These volatile molecules evaporate and interact with olfactory receptors. Perfume construction uses top notes (citrus, herbs - high volatility), middle notes (floral, spice - moderate volatility), and base notes (woods, musks - low volatility) creating evolving scent profile. Must consider stability, allergen declaration, and IFRA compliance.

SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE

Moisture Barrier Creator

Seals moisture in skin with protective barrier

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Occlusive-type skin conditioners form protective hydrophobic layer preventing transepidermal water loss. Ingredients include petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone, beeswax, and lanolin. The mechanism involves creating semi-permeable barrier on skin surface that reduces water evaporation while allowing some gas exchange. Most effective at preventing moisture loss, particularly beneficial for dry, dehydrated, or compromised skin. Occlusion degree varies by ingredient molecular weight and film properties.

SOLVENT

Ingredient Dissolver

Dissolves other ingredients to create uniform formulations

SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS

// Evidence: Solvents dissolve, dilute, or disperse other ingredients creating homogeneous solutions. Water is universal solvent for hydrophilic ingredients. Organic solvents include ethanol (dissolves fragrances, some actives), propylene glycol, and glycerin. Selection based on polarity matching between solvent and solute. Mechanism involves disrupting intermolecular forces in solute and surrounding with solvent molecules. Critical for maintaining ingredient solubility and product stability.

Products

containing Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

22230 formulations
WW Cream
WW Cream
3LAB
'M' Cream
'M' Cream
3LAB
Anti Aging Cream
Anti Aging Cream
3LAB

References

Scientific sources

[1]

International Journal of Toxicology, September 2020, pages 34-35

[2]

Periodica Polytechnica Chemical Engineering, 2014, pages 43-48

[3]

International Journal of Toxicology, January 2003, pages 4-5

[4]

Food and Chemical Toxicology, January 2000, pages 79-98

[5]

Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, August 1985, pages 303-311

Semantic Analysis

Similar Ingredients

Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — common questions

What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in skincare?

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a liquid ester derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It’s formed by combining caprylic and capric fatty acids.

What does Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride do? / Functions of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

Common functions: FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING - OCCLUSIVE, SOLVENT.

What is the comedogenic rating of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride? / Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride comedogenic?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.

Does it clog pores?
Unlikely to Clog Pores

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).

Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride safe for skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has a safety rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: CIR-reviewed and widely considered safe; generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing; low comedogenic potential, though very acne-prone individuals may still react to some emollients. The Cosmetic In

Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride good for sensitive skin?
1 1/5 — Very low risk

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride has an irritancy rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is generally well-tolerated.

What are the side effects of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in skincare?

Known considerations: CIR-reviewed and widely considered safe; generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing; low comedogenic potential, though very acne-prone individuals may still react to some emollients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has concluded that Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is safe for use in cosmetics. Limited safety data is available for its use in leave-on products at concentrations above 15%.

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