Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride

TL;DR. This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and carrier oil that improves slip, spreadability, and a non-greasy skin feel. It also helps dissolve oil-soluble actives, pigments, and fragrance components in creams, balms, sunscreens, and makeup.

What does Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient is a lightweight emollient and carrier oil that improves slip, spreadability, and a non-greasy skin feel. It also helps dissolve oil-soluble actives, pigments, and fragrance components in creams, balms, sunscreens, and makeup.

Is Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride clean?

It is generally well-tolerated, low in irritation potential, and not a common restricted-list concern in clean beauty standards. The main quality consideration is source traceability and good control of residual processing materials.

Is Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride sustainable?

This material is usually plant-derived, commonly from coconut or palm kernel feedstocks. It is readily biodegradable, with the main sustainability question tied to responsible palm sourcing where palm-derived inputs are used.

Is Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride COSMOS-approved?

It is generally permitted in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when vegetable-derived and processed under approved chemistry rules. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when made from renewable feedstocks, with efficient esterification and good biodegradability.

How does Caprylic/Capric/Lauric Triglyceride work chemically?

The molecule is a mixed triester of glycerin and saturated C8, C10, and C12 fatty acid chains, giving it low polarity, high oxidative stability, and a light sensory profile. It is commonly used from about 1% to 20% depending on format, is stable across typical cosmetic pH ranges, and resists rancidity better than many unsaturated plant oils.

Last updated 2026-05-13