INCI: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride - Also known as: Fractionated Coconut Oil, MCT Oil, C8/C10 Triglyceride

QUICK FACTS

What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is produced by esterifying glycerin with a mixture of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) - two medium-chain fatty acids fractionated from coconut or palm kernel oil. The result is a triglyceride ester that retains the emollient character of its source oils while eliminating their longer-chain fatty acids, producing a uniquely lightweight, odorless, and colorless liquid that remains stable at room temperature and across a wide pH range.

Unlike whole coconut oil or other unfractionated plant oils, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride contains only the C8 and C10 fractions - the shortest saturated fatty acid chains in the coconut oil profile. This fractionation removes the longer-chain saturated fats (lauric, myristic, and palmitic acids) that contribute to comedogenicity in whole coconut oil, resulting in a carrier with a comedogenic rating of 1 - suitable even for acne-prone skin types that would react to full coconut oil.

At Sweet Chemistry, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride appears above the 1% line in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum, where it serves as the primary oil-phase carrier in a water-dominant emulsion. Its role is to provide a stable, skin-compatible lipid phase that can carry oil-soluble actives - including the ceramides and rosehip seed oil also present in the Hydra-Serum - while maintaining the lightweight, non-greasy finish appropriate for an all-skin-types serum.

What does it do for skin?

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride's primary function in skincare is as an exceptionally lightweight emollient and active carrier. Its medium-chain fatty acid structure gives it excellent spreadability - it distributes thinly and evenly across the skin's surface with minimal drag, which is particularly valuable in a serum formula where even application of a 40%-active payload is important for consistent results.

As an emollient, it is associated with contributing to a smooth, comfortable skin feel without the greasiness or occlusion associated with longer-chain plant oils. Its C8 and C10 fatty acids are shorter-chain saturated fats that are not incorporated into the intercellular lipid matrix the way longer polyunsaturated fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids are - Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride's contribution is primarily surface emollience and carrier functionality rather than barrier lipid replenishment.

Its chemical stability is a meaningful formulation benefit. Unlike polyunsaturated fatty acid-rich oils that can oxidize and turn rancid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride's saturated structure makes it extremely resistant to oxidation - helping it maintain its clarity, odor-neutrality, and carrier function across the product's shelf life without contributing pro-oxidant byproducts that could interfere with sensitive actives like ceramides or Matrikynes® peptides.

FOUND IN

In 1 Formula

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is specific to the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum, where its lightweight emollient and carrier properties support the formula's oil-phase active delivery within the lightest, most versatile product in the Sweet Chemistry lineup.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (above 1%) - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum uses Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride as the primary oil-phase carrier in a 40%-active water-based emulsion delivering 3% Matrikynes® peptides, 5% niacinamide, 3% ceramides, and rosehip seed oil. For all skin types; use alone or layered under either fortified cream.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Barrier Lipid Ceramide NP + Ceramide AP

INCI: Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP.

At 3% combined in the Hydra-Serum as the primary barrier lipid complex. Synergy Note: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride provides the stable oil-phase carrier that distributes the ceramide complex evenly throughout the emulsion - carrier chemistry and barrier lipid delivery working in direct functional relationship.

Botanical Seed Oil Rosehip Seed Oil

INCI: Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip) Seed Oil.

Present above 1% in the Hydra-Serum alongside Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride. Synergy Note: Rosehip seed oil brings the essential fatty acid and antioxidant contribution to the Hydra-Serum's oil phase; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride contributes oxidatively stable carrier character. Together they form a balanced oil-phase system - active botanical plus stable carrier in the same emulsion.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

At 3% in all four formulas. Synergy Note: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride's chemical stability as a saturated ester helps maintain the formula environment in which Matrikynes® peptides are stable and consistently available with every application.

Vitamin B3 Niacinamide

INCI: Niacinamide.

At 5% in the Hydra-Serum as the primary brightening and barrier-supporting active. Synergy Note: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride's role as the oil-phase carrier creates the emulsion architecture through which niacinamide and all other water-soluble actives in the Hydra-Serum can be stably delivered in a single, versatile formula.