What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?
Definition of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Caprylic/capric triglyceride forms when glycerol esterifies with caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). It belongs to the medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or medium-chain saturated fatty acids (MCFAs).
Composition and Sources
Its caprylic acid content typically ranges from 50% to 90% by weight, while the capric acid content ranges from 20% to 50% by weight. Natural sources of caprylic/capric triglyceride include breast milk, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, and dairy products.
Benefits of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
- Improved Application and Refatting Prevention: Many cosmetic products use caprylic/capric triglycerides to improve application behavior and avoid excessive refatting. Their emollient properties offer a smooth, non-greasy application.
- Solvent and Extraction Capabilities: Caprylic/capric triglycerides function as extraction solvents for various compounds like amino acids and keratin peptides. Their solvent properties make them valuable in formulations needing high solvent concentrations.
- Non-Irritating and Non-Sensitizing: Unlike other solvents like propylene glycol, caprylic/capric triglycerides are generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, making them ideal for sensitive skin applications.
- Improved Percutaneous Absorption: Studies reveal that caprylic/capric triglycerides can slightly improve the percutaneous absorption of active ingredients, such as steroids, when compared to other vehicles.
- Emulsifying and Stabilizing Properties: Caprylic/capric triglycerides act as emulsifiers and stabilizers in various formulations, making them effective in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications.
- Safe for Food and Pharmaceutical Applications: Caprylic/capric triglycerides are safe for use in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as supported by safety assessments and regulatory approvals.
Side Effects of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Potential Side Effects
- Gastrointestinal Effects: Like other MCTs, it may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea, especially at higher doses.
- Skin Irritation: When used topically, it may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive skin.
- Drug Interactions: As a solubilizing agent, it may increase the absorption and bioavailability of certain drugs, potentially leading to increased side effects or toxicity.
Safety and Precautions
- Dosage: In topical formulations, caprylic/capric triglyceride is typically used at concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 20%. Higher concentrations may increase the risk of side effects.
- Sensitive Populations: Individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to coconut or palm kernel products should exercise caution when using products containing caprylic/capric triglyceride.
- Drug Formulations: When used as a solubilizing agent in drug formulations, caprylic/capric triglyceride may affect the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of the active ingredient, potentially requiring dosage adjustments.
Applications of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
It finds wide applications in cosmetic and personal care products due to its beneficial properties:
- Improves application behavior and prevents excessive refatting
- Acts as a non-irritating and non-sensitizing solvent for topical applications
- Typical concentration ranges from 0.1-6% w/w, with 2% being a common level
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Applications
It finds applications in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations:
- Used as a lipid source and carrier for active ingredients in topical and oral formulations
- Induces ketosis, providing energy to the brain, potentially beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease
- serves as a food supplement, cooking oil, and functional oil in various food preparations
Extraction and Synthesis
- Employed as an extraction solvent for amino acids, keratin peptides, and other compounds
- Synthesized via esterification of glycerol with caprylic and capric acids, often using catalysts
- The composition can be optimized, e.g., 65-80% caprylic acid and 20-35% capric acid for desired properties
Application Cases
| Product/Project | Technical Outcomes | Application Scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Cosmetics | Improves application behaviour and prevents excessive refatting. Acts as a non-irritating and non-sensitising solvent for topical applications. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1-6% w/w, with 2% being a common level. | Cosmetic and personal care products, such as skin creams, lotions, and makeup formulations. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Pharmaceuticals | Used as a lipid source and carrier for active ingredients in topical and oral formulations. Induces ketosis, providing energy to the brain, potentially beneficial for Alzheimer’s disease. | Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations, including topical and oral drug delivery systems, and supplements for neurological conditions. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Food | Can be used as a food supplement, cooking oil, and functional oil in various food preparations. Provides a source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) with potential health benefits. | Food and beverage products, such as dietary supplements, cooking oils, and functional foods. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Extraction | Effective solvent for extracting lipophilic compounds from natural sources, such as plant materials and essential oils. Provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional organic solvents. | Extraction processes in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries, particularly for the extraction of lipophilic compounds from natural sources. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in Synthesis | Can be used as a reaction medium or solvent for organic synthesis, offering advantages such as low toxicity, biodegradability, and compatibility with various catalytic systems. | Organic synthesis processes in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where a sustainable and environmentally friendly solvent is required. |
Latest innovations in Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Improved Formulations and Applications
- Antibiotic Formulations: It finds applications in injectable antibiotic formulations, providing a suitable vehicle for hydrated macrolide antibiotics. The composition contains 20-60% Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, along with triacetin and excipients, enabling effective delivery of antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.
- Aerosol-Generating Tobacco Compositions: It serves as a lipid component in aerosol-generating tobacco-containing compositions, typically in the form of foams or mousses. The ratio of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to tobacco material is optimized (1:3 to 1:5 on a dry weight basis) for efficient aerosol generation.
- Skincare Compositions: It is an ingredient in skincare treatment compositions for acne and rosacea relief. It is combined with various oils, acids, and plant extracts to provide a soothing and effective topical formulation.
Improved Properties and Production Methods
- Low Cloud Point and Viscosity: Triglyceride oil compositions containing Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride exhibit an extremely low cloud point and low viscosity, along with a higher saturated fatty acid content and low polyunsaturated fatty acid content. This unique combination of properties makes them suitable for industrial applications like lubricants, fuels, and dielectric fluids.
- Texture Enhancement in Chocolates: Adding 0.85% or more of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride to chocolates with high non-fat milk solid content (≥15%) can reduce stickiness and achieve a clean texture when chewed or swallowed.
- Moisture Absorption and Retention: Fermented Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride oil, combined with fermented squalane oil and Salvia hispanica seed oil extract, forms a nanoemulsion composition that promotes moisture absorption and retention in the skin when applied topically.
- High-Stability Liposomes: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride acts as a liquid grease component in high-stability liposome compositions, along with solid greases, phospholipids, gelatin, and active ingredients. These liposomes exhibit high-temperature resistance and stability without the need for cholesterol.
Emerging Innovations
- Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Triglyceride Production: A novel method for producing high-purity polyunsaturated fatty acid triglycerides involves lipase-catalyzed esterification of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with glycerin. This method minimizes oxidation loss and chemical residues, enabling applications in infant formula, health foods, and medical products.
- Triglyceride Level Measurement: An apparatus for measuring triglyceride levels utilizes peripheral light sources and detectors to obtain features based on optical signals reflected or scattered by the object. The processor selectively drives the light sources and measures the triglyceride level based on the obtained features.
Technical Challenges
| Enhancing Bioavailability and Absorption | Developing formulations or delivery systems that improve the bioavailability and absorption of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in the body, enabling more effective utilisation and therapeutic effects. |
| Optimising Aerosol Generation | Optimising the ratio and composition of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride with tobacco materials to achieve efficient aerosol generation in tobacco-containing compositions, enabling improved delivery and user experience. |
| Improving Skin Penetration and Efficacy | Formulating skincare compositions with Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride combined with other active ingredients to enhance skin penetration and efficacy for treating conditions like acne and rosacea. |
| Tailoring Physical Properties | Modifying the physical properties of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, such as cloud point, viscosity, and fatty acid composition, to suit specific industrial applications like lubricants, fuels, or dielectric fluids. |
| Sustainable Production Methods | Developing sustainable and efficient methods for producing Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, potentially involving enzymatic processes or utilising renewable feedstocks, to reduce environmental impact and improve cost-effectiveness. |
To get detailed scientific explanations of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, try Patsnap Eureka.
