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Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Caprylic/capric triglyceride suppliers and sourcing guide

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a triglyceride ester of glycerin with caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, a clear, nearly odorless, low-viscosity oil. It is made by splitting coconut or palm kernel oil, fractionating out the C8 and C10 acids, and re-esterifying them with glycerin, followed by refining and deodorizing. Cosmetic brands buy it as a light emollient oil and as a carrier for oil-soluble actives, fragrances and pigments.

Also known as
Medium-chain triglycerides · MCT · Fractionated coconut oil · Glyceryl tricaprylate/caprate · CAS 65381-09-1
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of caprylic/capric triglyceride

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Cosmetic grade

    Refined, deodorized MCT oil with a stated C8:C10 ratio, commonly around 60:40.

  • Pharmaceutical / food grade

    MCT meeting the USP-NF or EP monograph or food specifications, used for oral and topical products.

  • RSPO palm-based or coconut-only

    Grades specifying coconut-only feedstock or certified palm kernel oil.

  • Organic

    MCT oil made from certified organic coconut oil, offered by some suppliers.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

Fatty acid composition
GC of the methyl esters, reporting C6, C8, C10 and C12 content.
Acid value and peroxide value
Titrations showing free fatty acids and early oxidation.
Saponification and hydroxyl values
Titrations that confirm the triglyceride content and flag partial glycerides.
Water
Karl Fischer titration.
Color and odor
Lovibond or APHA color and odor check.
Heavy metals
Lead, arsenic and other elements by ICP-MS or ICP-OES against the supplier's specification or the applicable USP, FCC or cosmetic-grade limit.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store caprylic/capric triglyceride in closed drums at room temperature, away from light and heat, with nitrogen headspace for bulk tanks. Although its saturated chains resist oxidation, opened containers should be resealed to keep out moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with a retest of peroxide and acid values for older stock.

Lots and expiry dates

Record fatty acid profile, acid value and peroxide value for each lot, along with feedstock (coconut or palm kernel). Rotate FIFO and recheck peroxide value on drums opened for a long time.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Caprylic/capric triglyceride suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

  • Galaxy Surfactants

    Manufacturer · Navi Mumbai, India

    Indian producer of surfactants and specialty care ingredients, including sulfates, mild amino-acid and glucoside surfactants, emollient esters and UV filters for personal and home care.

  • Inolex

    Manufacturer · Philadelphia, PA

    Sells it as Lexol GT-865 MB

    Philadelphia maker of personal care ingredients, including esters, emollients, emulsifiers and preservation components, with its main production site in Charlotte, North Carolina.

    • Halal

Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.

Frequently asked questions

What forms of caprylic/capric triglyceride can brands buy?

Common forms include cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical / food grade, rSPO palm-based or coconut-only and organic. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for caprylic/capric triglyceride include?

Expect fatty acid composition, acid value and peroxide value, saponification and hydroxyl values, water, color and odor and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should caprylic/capric triglyceride be stored?

Store caprylic/capric triglyceride in closed drums at room temperature, away from light and heat, with nitrogen headspace for bulk tanks. Although its saturated chains resist oxidation, opened containers should be resealed to keep out moisture. Shelf life is set by the supplier, with a retest of peroxide and acid values for older stock.

What is the regulatory status of caprylic/capric triglyceride?

Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists medium-chain triglycerides with capric acid and octanoic acid as sub-ingredients and the fruit flesh of Cocos nucifera and seed of Elaeis guineensis as source materials. The same entry allows medium-chain triglycerides in topical products as an emulsifying agent. GRN 1049, for medium-chain triacylglycerols notified by Nestlé Nutrition as a fat source in exempt infant formula, closed on Sep 21, 2022 with FDA having no questions.

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