What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and is it safe?

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1. What is Capric Triglyceride?

Caprylic triglyceride is a commonly used ingredient in soaps and cosmetics. It is usually produced from a combination of coconut oil and glycerin. This ingredient is sometimes referred to as capric triglyceride or sometimes erroneously referred to as fractionated coconut oil. Caprylic triglycerides have been used for over 50 years. It has a skin-smoothing effect and good antioxidant activity. Besides, it also has the role of binding other ingredients together and can act as a preservative to help the active ingredients in cosmetics last longer.
Caprylic triglycerides are considered a natural substitute for other synthetic chemicals found in topical products. Companies that claim their products are "organic" or "all-natural" often contain caprylic triglycerides in their product ingredients. A chemical process is used to separate liquid fats so that a "pure" version of caprylic triglycerides can be obtained.

2. Benefits of caprylic/capric triglycerides

Caprylic triglycerides are derived from natural fatty acids. They are clear liquids and have a slightly sweet taste. Their high fat content, texture and antioxidant capacity make them widely used in skin care products and soaps.
2.1 Emollients Emollients work to make your skin softer. Emollients work by trapping moisture in the skin and forming a protective layer so moisture cannot escape. Caprylic triglyceride is a commonly used emollient ingredient in cosmetic products.
2.2 Dispersants Dispersants have the ability to keep ingredients in a formula stable together. Mixing the active ingredients, colorants or fragrances in a good dispersant prevents the ingredients from clumping together or sinking to the bottom of the mixture. The dense nature of caprylic triglycerides makes them an excellent dispersant.
2.3 Solvents Solvents are ingredients that can dissolve or break the bonds of some other ingredient or compound. An ingredient is considered a solvent based on its molecular structure and shape and how it interacts with other substances. Caprylic triglycerides can solubilize compounds so that they mix together. While some solvents have toxic components, caprylic triglycerides are relatively safe.
2.4 Antioxidants Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to neutralize free radicals or harmful substances that you come into contact with on a daily basis. Antioxidants help prevent oxidation, which can age your skin and harm your body. Caprylic triglycerides are packed with antioxidants, so they play a role in preserving your skin and helping you feel younger.

3. Application of caprylic/capric triglyceride

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. You will often see this ingredient listed in the following cosmetics: lipstick, lip balm, lip liner, primer, foundation.

4. Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Safe?

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. That means it's not toxic when you consume trace amounts of caprylic in lipstick or lip balm. Unless you have a severe allergy to coconut oil, you have very little risk of an allergic reaction from using caprylic triglycerides. There are some environmental concerns with the use of caprylic triglycerides. It is currently not fully known how it breaks down in the wild and whether it could eventually accumulate and pose a threat to wildlife. More research is needed to determine the safest way to get rid of products containing caprylic triglycerides.
In summary, current studies state that caprylic triglycerides are safe for most people to use. Consuming small amounts of caprylic as a food additive, sweetener or cosmetic product poses no risk to your health. Caprylic triglyceride is one of the cleanest ingredients you can find as a natural substitute for chemical ingredients. Everyone's skin reacts differently to different chemicals. You should test before using a new cosmetic product on your skin.
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Reference source: healthline.com