The Science of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Skin Care

If you’ve ever taken a look at the ingredient list on your favorite moisturizer or serum, you might have noticed the somewhat intimidating name “caprylic/capric triglyceride.” Despite its long, seemingly complicated name, this ingredient is nothing to worry about! Caprylic/capric triglyceride is often used in skin care and personal care products for its moisturizing capabilities, as well as a way to make products spread more easily or to thicken formulations to the perfect consistency.

You will find this ingredient in many of the best and most well-known skin care brands and products. Learn more about what it is, how it works, and where to find it in skin care.

Triglycerides are molecules made up of three fatty acids attached to a glycerol backbone. In skin care, triglycerides are often included in products because they help your skin to retain moisture, while also improving the texture of the formulation itself.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is derived from coconut oil and glycerin, both of which are plant-based, making this ingredient a popular choice in many natural and vegan-friendly skin care brands. The “caprylic” and “capric” parts of this ingredient refer to two types of fatty acids within the molecule: caprylic acid and capric acid. These fatty acids contribute to the lightweight and silky feel of this ingredient on the skin. Since it is derived from coconut oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride provides many of the benefits of coconut oil but is more stable and less likely to feel greasy.

The main active components of caprylic/capric triglyceride are its medium-chain fatty acids: caprylic and capric acids. These two fatty acids contribute to this ingredient’s ability to moisturize and protect the skin, as well as creating smooth, spreadable formulas.

• Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is an 8-carbon fatty acid with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Caprylic acid on its own has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial benefits (3). Due to its molecular size, caprylic acid also helps o create smooth, lightweight formulas that do not feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
• Capric acid, also known as decanoic acid, is another medium-chain fatty acid similar to caprylic acid, but with a 10-carbon chain. It shares many of the same properties as caprylic acid, with a few additional benefits. Capric acid has a slightly thicker molecular structure, which gives it a slightly richer feel while still being lightweight. This structure enables it to help seal moisture into the skin’s upper layers, improving hydration. It is also a very stable molecule and does not break down easily in light or heat, making it a beneficial stabilizing ingredient in skin care formulations.

The main benefit of caprylic/capric triglyceride for the skin is its ability to moisturize. Below is a deeper dive into how this ingredient can improve your skin and the formulations of your skin care products.

• Moisturizing. As an emollient, caprylic/capric triglyceride forms a protective barrier over the skin to lock in moisture, making it especially beneficial for dry skin types.
• Smoothing texture. Caprylic/capric triglyceride improves the texture of skin care products, helping them spread more easily and evenly across the skin.
• Lightweight feel. Unlike some oils that can feel heavy or greasy, caprylic/capric triglyceride is lightweight, making it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
• Non-comedogenic. While coconut oil is comedogenic (meaning it can clog pores) because it also contains lauric and oleic acids, caprylic/capric triglyceride is generally non-comedogenic because it lacks these components that are typically problematic for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Improved product stability. This ingredient can also help to stabilize products, preventing them from separating and extending their shelf life.

One of the reasons caprylic/capric triglyceride is so widely used in skin care is because it generally comes with little to no side effects when applied topically and doesn’t often cause irritation or allergic reactions.

You’ll find this moisturizing and smoothing ingredient in everything from moisturizers to anti-aging creams to face masks. Just a few top products from brands you might already use that contain this ingredient are below.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is found in many skin care products, and it’s likely you may already use a product or two with this ingredient and not even realize it! Caprylic/capric triglyceride can be a match for both dry and oily Baumann Skin Types – but it depends on what else is included in the formulation and what it is designed for. So you still want to make sure the product as a whole is a match for your skin type.

If you don’t know your Baumann Skin Type yet, take the quiz below so we can help you customize your skin care regimen based on your skin’s specific needs. You will then be able to see which products with caprylic/capric triglyceride are best for your skin type.

1. Baumann L. Antiaging Ingredients in Ch. 37 of Baumann's Cosmetic Dermatology Ed 3. (McGraw Hill 2022)
2. Baumann, L. Ch. Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic Ingredients (McGraw Hill 2015)
3. Výrostková J, Pipová M, Semjon B, Jevinová P, Regecová I, Maľová J. Antibacterial effects of hydrogen peroxide and caprylic acid on selected foodborne bacteria. Pol J Vet Sci. 2020 Sep;23(3):439-446.
4. Teixeira, D. A., & Barbosa, H. P. (2022). Effect of an emollient emulsion containing 15% caprylic/capric triglyceride on skin barrier function and hydration. Journal of Cosmetic Science.
5. Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. (2020). Amended safety assessment of triglycerides as used in cosmetics. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR).
6. Yang, S., Snaidr, V., & Babcock, A. (2021). Caprylic/capric triglyceride in formulations: Effects on moisture retention and product stability. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 43(4), 287-295.