The Light Oil in Your Cosmetics: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

What is it and where does it come from?

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is a triglyceride formed from glycerin and caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. It belongs to the same chemical family as plant oils. It is usually derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. After processing and purification, it becomes a colorless, odorless, very light liquid oil. It is sometimes called 'MCT oil'.

What does it do in cosmetics?

It has three main roles. It works as an emollient, softening the skin and preventing moisture loss while leaving a smooth feel. It also carries oil-soluble vitamins and active ingredients, helping them penetrate the skin. And it stabilizes the product: it does not oxidize or turn rancid even when exposed to air. Thanks to these properties, it is found in everything from light creams to sunscreens, makeup removers, and baby products.

What do safety tests say?

Available data show low toxicity. In acute oral toxicity studies, very high doses given to lab animals did not cause death. Skin and eye irritation tests mostly found no significant effect. Genetic damage tests, however, are mixed: some bacterial cultures showed signs of mutation, but this was not repeated in cell or animal models. This does not mean the ingredient is carcinogenic, because the different test models do not confirm each other. The CIR panel has evaluated these data collectively.

The CIR panel has found this ingredient safe for use in cosmetics, and there are no usage restrictions in place today.

There is no reason to worry when you see it on an ingredient list. It softens the skin and is well tolerated by most people. But if you are trying a new product for the first time, a patch test on a small area is always a good habit.

Sources

• Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) monograph: Triglycerides

• EPA ToxValDB

• Healthline

• Medical News Today