Everything You Need to Know About Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Skincare

The Science of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Skin Care: Benefits, Uses, and More

If you’ve ever glanced at the ingredient list on your favorite moisturizer or serum, chances are you’ve come across the term “caprylic/capric triglyceride.”

While the name may seem complex or intimidating, there’s no need to worry.

This ingredient is commonly used in skin care for its exceptional moisturizing abilities and to enhance the texture and performance of products.

Despite its somewhat scientific-sounding name, caprylic/capric triglyceride is a safe, effective, and versatile ingredient that offers a wide range of benefits for skin health.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into the science behind caprylic/capric triglyceride, its active compounds, benefits, and why it’s such a popular addition to many skincare formulas.

What Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a combination of medium-chain fatty acids (caprylic acid and capric acid) and glycerol (a sugar alcohol compound).

These triglycerides are naturally derived from coconut oil or palm kernel oil.

They are used in skincare products due to their ability to moisturize the skin, as well as to help stabilize formulations, making them more pleasant to use.

To break it down further:

Triglycerides are a type of fat that consists of three fatty acids bonded to a glycerol backbone. This fat plays a key role in locking in moisture and improving the texture of topical products.

Caprylic acid (octanoic acid) and capric acid (decanoic acid) are two medium-chain fatty acids with a significant role in caprylic/capric triglyceride’s performance in skincare.

These fatty acids offer both moisturizing and stabilizing benefits.

The presence of caprylic/capric triglyceride in skin care products is especially notable in those designed for hydration, product stability, and texture enhancement.

What Are the Active Compounds in Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

Caprylic/capric triglyceride’s benefits stem from its two primary active compounds: caprylic acid and capric acid. Let’s explore these further:

Caprylic Acid (Octanoic Acid)

Caprylic acid is an 8-carbon chain fatty acid known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Its molecular size allows it to be lightweight, making it easy to incorporate into formulations for smooth texture. Here’s how it benefits the skin:

Anti-inflammatory properties: Caprylic acid helps to calm and soothe inflamed skin, making it especially useful for individuals with sensitive or irritated skin.

Antibacterial effects: This fatty acid has mild antimicrobial properties, which can help to reduce the risk of bacterial growth on the skin.

Emollient properties: Caprylic acid helps the skin retain moisture by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface. It leaves the skin feeling soft and hydrated without being greasy or heavy.

Capric Acid (Decanoic Acid)

Capric acid, with a 10-carbon chain, shares many of the benefits of caprylic acid but is slightly thicker in molecular structure, providing a richer feel without overwhelming the skin.

Its key benefits include:

Improved hydration: Capric acid helps to seal moisture into the skin by creating a barrier that prevents water loss.

Stabilizing ingredient: The stability of capric acid is a key reason why caprylic/capric triglyceride is used in formulations.

It helps prevent product separation, ensuring a smooth consistency and extending shelf life.

Non-irritating: Unlike some other fats and oils, capric acid is less likely to cause irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.

Together, these two fatty acids help to create a lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy texture, making caprylic/capric triglyceride ideal for use in moisturizers, serums, and other skincare products.

How Does Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Benefit the Skin?

Now that we know the components of caprylic/capric triglyceride, let’s explore how they work in skincare formulations:

1. Moisturizing and Hydrating

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a powerful humectant and emollient. As an emollient, it helps to soften and smooth the skin, making it more supple and moisturized.

It works by forming a protective barrier on the skin, which locks in moisture, preventing it from evaporating.

This makes it especially beneficial for individuals with dry skin or those who live in dry climates.

Since caprylic/capric triglyceride has a lightweight texture, it is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.

Unlike other heavier oils (like coconut oil), it does not leave a greasy residue, making it ideal for use in a wide range of formulations.

2. Enhancing Texture and Spreadability

One of the key roles of caprylic/capric triglyceride in skincare products is improving spreadability. It helps formulations glide on easily and evenly, ensuring that they are applied smoothly.

This is particularly helpful in serums, moisturizers, and facial oils, where even and consistent application is important.

Moreover, caprylic/capric triglyceride helps to stabilize the overall texture of a product, preventing separation and ensuring uniformity throughout the product’s shelf life.

It is commonly used to create creams, lotions, and even some types of sunscreens.

3. Non-Comedogenic

Unlike coconut oil, which is known to be comedogenic (meaning it can clog pores), caprylic/capric triglyceride is generally considered non-comedogenic.

This makes it a safe choice for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

The absence of lauric and oleic acids, both of which can clog pores, makes caprylic/capric triglyceride a far less likely culprit in acne formation.

For those with oily skin or those prone to breakouts, this ingredient provides moisture without risking clogged pores or aggravating existing acne.

4. Product Stability and Shelf Life

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is also beneficial for the stability of a product.

It helps prevent the separation of ingredients, ensuring that the product remains consistent throughout its shelf life.

This property is particularly valuable in products that contain water-based ingredients or are formulated to be more liquid in nature, such as serums and face oils.

Side Effects of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is generally regarded as safe and effective for most skin types.

It is non-irritating and unlikely to cause allergic reactions, making it a mild ingredient suitable for sensitive skin.

However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, some individuals may experience irritation, though this is rare.

In some cases, those with extremely sensitive skin or allergies to coconut or palm-derived products may experience a mild reaction.

If you have concerns, it’s always a good idea to conduct a patch test before applying a new product.

Where to Find Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Skin Care Products

You will find caprylic/capric triglyceride in a wide range of products, including:

Moisturizers and Hydrating Serums: Its ability to lock in moisture makes it a key ingredient in many hydrating skincare formulations.

Anti-Aging Creams: The ingredient helps create smooth, stable formulas, which is beneficial for products targeting fine lines and wrinkles.

Cleansers: Caprylic/capric triglyceride is often included in cleansers to improve spreadability and ensure that the product glides smoothly over the skin.

Face Masks: Used in face masks to enhance the smooth application and help active ingredients absorb more effectively.

Top brands and products often feature caprylic/capric triglyceride in their ingredient lists, such as in products from CeraVe, Neutrogena, and The Ordinary.

Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Right for You?

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a versatile ingredient that can benefit almost any skin type. It is especially ideal for:

Dry Skin: It locks in moisture and provides lasting hydration.

Oily Skin: It’s lightweight and non-comedogenic, offering hydration without clogging pores.

Sensitive Skin: It’s mild, non-irritating, and can help soothe inflammation.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the overall efficacy of a skincare product depends on all its ingredients, not just one.

If you’re unsure whether a product containing caprylic/capric triglyceride is a good fit for your skin type, you can always take the Baumann Skin Type Quiz to get personalized product recommendations.

Conclusion

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a beneficial, multi-functional ingredient in skincare.

Whether you’re looking to hydrate, smooth, or stabilize your skin care routine, this ingredient is likely to be an effective, non-irritating choice.

Its non-comedogenic properties make it especially suitable for acne-prone skin, and its ability to enhance the texture of formulations makes it a favorite among skincare manufacturers.

As always, make sure to check the overall formulation of the product and consider your individual skin type when incorporating new ingredients.

If you’re still unsure whether caprylic/capric triglyceride is right for you, taking a skin type quiz can help you make a more informed decision.

Your skin deserves the best care, and understanding the science behind the ingredients can help you make smarter choices for long-lasting, healthy skin!

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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