Capric Triglyceride: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride · Fractionated Coconut Oil
A lightweight, refined fraction of coconut and palm fatty acids. Despite its origin, it is far less comedogenic than whole coconut oil.
Quick facts about Capric Triglyceride
Low Risk
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Safe
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Emollients
Generally considered safe
Typically yes
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Fractionated Coconut Oil
Quick verdict
Capric Triglyceride is a emollient with a low risk comedogenic profile (1/5) and safe irritancy (0/5). A lightweight, refined fraction of coconut and palm fatty acids. Despite its origin, it is far less comedogenic than whole coconut oil.
What is Capric Triglyceride?
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a refined fraction of coconut and palm oil — specifically the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) bound to glycerol. The refining process removes the heavier saturated fats responsible for coconut oil's pore-clogging tendency, leaving a lightweight, stable, fast-absorbing emollient with a pleasant skin feel.
Comedogenic Rating: What 1/5 Means for Your Skin
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is rated 1/5 comedogenic — far gentler than whole coconut oil. It is generally well-tolerated by acne-prone skin in formulated products, though pure use on the face may feel heavy for very oily skin types.
Benefits for skin
- Lightweight emollient with excellent slip
- Stable and non-rancid — long shelf life
- Carrier for oil-soluble actives like retinol
- Reinforces barrier without heaviness
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Allergy and irritation are rare. There are essentially no documented systemic safety concerns at cosmetic concentrations.
Best for
- All skin types
- Dry
- Normal
- Sensitive
Avoid if
No widely reported groups need to avoid this ingredient. Patch-test if you have a history of sensitivities.
How to use Capric Triglyceride safely
No special precautions. Use freely in formulated products. Pairs with all actives.
Commonly found in
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is in serums, moisturisers, sunscreens, makeup primers and many oil cleansers. It is often used as a carrier for fat-soluble actives like retinol or vitamin E.
Found Capric Triglyceride in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is caprylic/capric triglyceride comedogenic?
Is caprylic/capric triglyceride safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Can I use it every day?
Is it the same as coconut oil?
Other emollients to know
Shea Butter
A rich, vitamin-packed plant butter from the African shea tree. Deeply emollient and softening, it's a classic ingredient for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
Isopropyl Myristate
A synthetic ester used to give products a dry, non-greasy slip. Despite its pleasant feel, it is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetics.
Ceramides
Lipid molecules that make up roughly 50% of the skin's outer barrier. Topical ceramides replace what's lost through ageing, over-cleansing or inflammation.
Isopropyl Palmitate
A synthetic ester used to give creams and lotions a dry, silky slip. Highly comedogenic — best avoided in leave-on facial products if you are acne-prone.
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.