Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a natural coconut and palm kernel oil derived mixture ofglycerin triester with caprylic and capric acids, which can be used as an alternative to mineral and vegetable oils. It is a mixed ester composed of caprylic and capric fatty acids attached to a glycerin backbone. It is an excellent moisturising emollient oil with good skin care properties, giving a pleasant non-slippery after feel on the skin. It is used as a less oily alternative to castor oil in lipsticks and in colour cosmetics.?
Caprylic/capric triglyceride can also function as a thickener or penetration enhancer, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin. Caprylic triglycerides can be found in topical skin care products including facial moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sunscreens, eye creams, etc. to increase the shelf life of cosmetic products, make your skin brighter and not greasy, enhance the antioxidants in the product. Caprylic triglyceride is also a common ingredient in makeup and other cosmetic products. It keeps the ingredients evenly distributed in the cosmetic formula without feeling greasy on your skin.
Caprylic/capric triglyceride has a range of uses in cosmetic, skin care, and hair care products. It rapidly penetrates the skin and hair to provide maximum benefits.
Skin care: Its main function is moisturizing and hydrating the skin. It forms a barrier on the skin to prevent further water loss, thus leaving it supple. In skin care, it also acts as an anti-aging ingredient by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Hair care: It offers similar hydrating properties. Since it is made of rich oils like palm and coconut, Caprylic/capric triglyceride leaves the hair silky smooth and reduces the problem of hair tangling.
When used topically, caprylic triglycerides have very low toxicity. The FDA notes that it is generally recognized as safe in low amounts as a food additive. Safety assessments have deemed capric/caprylic triglyceride safe in cosmetic formulations in concentrations below 50%, with reported uses varying between 0.1% to 35%.
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is made from the fatty acids found in coconut oil. Firstly, pressure and heat are applied to the oil to separate fatty acids and glycerol. The separated fatty acids further undergo an esterification process. The clear liquid (or oil) that results is known as Caprylic or Capric triglyceride.
