Caprylic/Capric triglyceride

Ingredient

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride

1,2 Hexanediol is an emollient and preservation material that helps improve the lubricity of formulas while imparting gentle antimicrobial effects that keep formulas safe.

Common Name

Fractionated coconut oil

Category

Emollient

Benefits

Moisturizing

Softening

Stabilizing

Non-greasy

Performance Rating

Very Good

Chemical Structure

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is a mixed triester of glycerin and caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. Its chemical formula is C₁₁H₂₀O₄.

Quick Summary Benefits

  • Provides lightweight, non-greasy moisturization
  • Enhances product stability and shelf life
  • Improves spreadability of formulations
  • Acts as an effective carrier for active ingredients
  • Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin

Use & Background in Skincare

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is widely used in skincare and cosmetic formulations as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It gained popularity due to its versatility, stability, and ability to enhance the performance of other ingredients in various products.

Detailed Description

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is a multi-functional ingredient that has become a staple in many skincare formulations. This clear, odorless liquid is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, offering the benefits of natural oils without the potential drawbacks such as greasiness or oxidation [1].

One of the key advantages of Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is its excellent skin compatibility. It closely mimics the skin's natural sebum, allowing it to be readily absorbed and provide effective moisturization without clogging pores. This property makes it suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin [2]. Additionally, its lightweight nature contributes to a pleasant skin feel, leaving the skin soft and smooth without a heavy or greasy residue.

In skincare formulations, Caprylic/Capric triglyceride serves multiple purposes. It acts as an effective emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin by filling in the spaces between skin cells. This action helps to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. Furthermore, it functions as a dispersing agent, enhancing the spread and absorption of other active ingredients in the formulation. This property is particularly valuable when formulating products with vitamins, antioxidants, or other beneficial compounds that need to be evenly distributed and effectively delivered to the skin [3].

Research has shown that Caprylic/Capric triglyceride can also contribute to the stability and longevity of skincare products. Its resistance to oxidation helps to extend the shelf life of formulations, maintaining their efficacy over time. A study published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Science demonstrated that the inclusion of Caprylic/Capric triglyceride in emulsions significantly improved their stability and sensory properties [4].

Comedogenicity

Comedogenicity rating: 1 (on a scale of 0-5)
Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores or cause acne. This rating is based on multiple studies and is widely accepted in the skincare industry [5].

Sustainability Notes

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is generally considered a sustainable ingredient as it is derived from renewable resources (coconut oil). However, the environmental impact can vary depending on the sourcing and production methods. Some manufacturers are moving towards using sustainably sourced coconut oil to improve the overall eco-friendliness of this ingredient.

How It's Made

Caprylic/Capric triglyceride is produced through the esterification of coconut oil fatty acids (caprylic and capric acids) with glycerin. This process involves splitting and distilling coconut oil to isolate the desired fatty acids, which are then combined with glycerin to form the final product [6].

References

  1. Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Final report on the safety assessment of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil and related ingredients. Int J Toxicol. 2011;30(3 Suppl):5S-16S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581811400636
  2. Lin TK, Zhong L, Santiago JL. Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;19(1):70. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010070
  3. Rele AS, Mohile RB. Effect of mineral oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil on prevention of hair damage. J Cosmet Sci. 2003;54(2):175-192. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12715094/
  4. Savary G, Grisel M, Picard C. Impact of emollients on the spreading properties of cosmetic products: A combined sensory and instrumental characterization. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces. 2013;102:371-378. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2012.07.028
  5. Draelos ZD, DiNardo JC. A re-evaluation of the comedogenicity concept. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54(3):507-512. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2005.11.1058
  6. Johnson W Jr. Final report on the safety assessment of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 4:61-77. https://doi.org/10.1080/10915810152630747