Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride sounds technical!
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (CCT) is a lightweight, non-greasy emollient widely used in skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. It is produced by combining glycerin with caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), which are fatty acids most commonly derived from coconut oil.
Benefits for skincare
- Excellent moisturiser – Helps soften and smooth the skin by reducing moisture loss without feeling heavy.
- Fast absorbing – Leaves a silky, dry-touch finish rather than an oily residue.
- Improves product texture – Gives creams, lotions, balms and serums a luxurious glide and spreadability.
- Suitable for sensitive skin – It's generally non-irritating and well tolerated by most skin types.
- Enhances ingredient delivery – Helps disperse oil-soluble ingredients such as vitamins and botanical extracts more evenly across the skin.
- Highly stable – Resistant to oxidation, helping to extend the shelf life of formulations compared with many natural oils.
- Non-comedogenic – Has a low likelihood of clogging pores, making it suitable for many acne-prone skin types.
Benefits in haircare
- Adds softness and shine without weighing hair down.
- Helps reduce frizz and improve manageability.
- Provides a light conditioning effect.
Why we like it
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is good to use because it:
- Replaces heavier vegetable oils with a lighter feel.
- Doesn't become rancid as quickly as many natural oils.
- Is colourless and virtually odourless.
- Works well in anhydrous products such as our cleansing balms, facial oils, body oils and solid moisturiser bars.
But is it natural?
It is generally considered a naturally derived ingredient rather than a raw natural oil. The fatty acids originate from plant oils (in our case coconut), but they are processed and esterified with glycerin to produce a purified, consistent ingredient.
Vegan and sustainability
- Vegan (when sourced from vegetable oils).
- Biodegradable.
- Accepted by many natural and clean beauty standards.
Typical uses
You'll commonly find Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in:
- Facial oils
- Cleansing balms
- Moisturisers
- Serums
- Body oils
- Lip balms
- Solid lotion bars
- Massage oils
- Hair serums
For Marigold Charms, a brand focused on vegan, natural skincare, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an excellent ingredient because it provides the luxurious skin feel of a silicone while remaining plant-derived and compatible with natural formulations.
It's used in the latest addition to our skincare range Silk Ceramide Cleansing Melt
Happy Beauty
Marion x