What it is
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a mixture of medium-chain triglycerides made by attaching caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) to a glycerol backbone through ester bonds. It is a clear, light, odorless, non-greasy oil that is easy to formulate with and feels lighter on skin than many heavier plant oils. In formulas it works as an emollient that leaves skin smooth and as a solvent that can help dissolve and carry oil-soluble actives and UV filters, making it a workhorse base oil in sunscreens and serums.
Safety & warnings
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is widely regarded as very well tolerated across skin types, including sensitive skin, and is a common choice when a light, low-irritation oil is needed. It is generally considered low on the pore-clogging scale relative to heavier oils, though anyone very prone to congestion may prefer to monitor rich leave-on formulas. It is bland and slow to develop off-odors, which adds to its gentle, stable profile.
Origin & sourcing
It is derived from natural fats: the caprylic and capric acids are obtained from coconut oil or palm kernel oil by fractionation, then re-esterified with glycerol (often itself plant-derived) to build the triglyceride. The result is a refined, consistent oil rather than a whole pressed plant oil.
Questions everyone asks
Is caprylic/capric triglyceride the same as coconut oil?
No. It is made from fatty acids fractionated out of coconut or palm kernel oil and recombined with glycerol, giving a lighter, clearer oil than whole coconut oil.
Why is it in sunscreen?
It is a light emollient and a good solvent for oil-soluble UV filters, so it helps carry those filters while keeping the texture non-greasy.
Will it clog pores?
It is considered low on the pore-clogging scale compared with heavier oils and is well tolerated by most skin types.