Caprylic Triglyceride Might Be Hard to Pronounce, But This Hero Hydrator Is in Just About Every Product

By Brittany Leitner

Published on Sep 2, 2021

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Don’t let the lofty name fool you, caprylic (or capric) triglyceride is actually derived from coconut oil, and it’s probably in many of the skincare products, soaps, and makeup you’re already using on a regular basis. But if you’ve been dealing with extra dry skin lately or just need an overall moisture boost, seeking out this ingredient specifically can help get your drying, flaky skin back to normal.

To find out more about the ingredient that doesn’t quite roll off of the tongue, we spoke with Ava Shamban, MD, an Los Angeles-based dermatologist who helped clear up a few things. Here’s how you can incorporate this skincare boosting ingredient into your routine if you’re looking for a skin refresh or just want to maintain hydration as the seasons change.

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Ava Shamban, MD is a board certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles and the founder of Ava MD, Skin Five, and The Box by Dr Ava.

What is caprylic/capric triglyceride anyway?

According to Dr. Shamban, caprylic/capric triglyceride is not a chemical, but rather “a clear liquid that is derived from coconut oil.” Essentially, it’s a fatty acid. Therefore, products labeled “clean,” “natural,” or “organic”may still contain caprylic/capric triglyceride, even though it technically isn’t found in nature. It undergoes a chemical process to break it down into a pure, oil-like substance, and it’s sometimes mixed with glycerin before being added to skincare products. “Caprylic/capric triglyceride helps skincare products last longer,” explains Dr. Shamban. “The antioxidants in this ingredient actually amplifies other antioxidants within the product it is in, making the product have more antioxidants to make your skin smooth and glowy.”

Skincare uses for caprylic/capric triglyceride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is such a multi-functional ingredient, that’s why it’s found in sunscreens, body lotions, and eye creams, in addition to skincare products like moisturizers and cleansers. It’s effective enough to work on rough, dryer skin found around the body and gentle enough to be used near and around the eyes.

Here are a few stand-out things caprylic/capric triglyceride does:

Smoothes out skin’s surface: Because caprylic/capric triglyceride is an emollient, it will help soften and smooth out the skin’s texture over time.
Helps fight acne: According to Dr. Shamban, due to its antioxidant properties, caprylic/capric triglyceride will help kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin.
Replenishes the skin’s barrier: “Caprylic/capric triglyceride helps reduce redness and dryness, promotes smooth and glowy skin, and replenishes the skin’s barrier,” says Dr. Shamban. “It’s a great ingredient to look for in skincare products if you are trying to make your skin appear younger and reverse aging.”

Is caprylic capric triglyceride good for skin?

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is great for any skin type, says Dr. Shamban. Plus, “it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores,” she says. “It will actually work to prevent blackheads and whiteheads in your pores.”

This ingredient is generally deemed safe (even for those with sensitive skin), but Dr. Shamban says you should avoid it if you are allergic to coconut, as even the chemical process to bind this caprylic/capric triglyceride with glycerin won’t reduce the natural effects of the coconut found in the ingredient.

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