Is Caprylic Capric Triglyceride the Same as MCT Oil? A Definitive Breakdown

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While it is a common misconception, caprylic capric triglyceride is not entirely the same as MCT oil, even though it is a component of it. This distinction lies in the concentration and composition of the specific medium-chain fatty acids found in each product, which profoundly affects their uses in health and wellness.

Quick Summary

Caprylic capric triglyceride is a specific, refined blend of C8 and C10 fatty acids, whereas MCT oil is a more general term for any medium-chain triglyceride formulation. The differences stem from their production methods and resulting applications in both diet and cosmetics.

Key Points

Not Identical: While CCT is a type of MCT, the terms are not interchangeable, as MCT oil is a broader category.
Specific Composition: CCT is a highly refined ester made exclusively from caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids.
Varying Purity: MCT oil can have a more varied composition, depending on the manufacturer and the concentration of different medium-chain fatty acids.
Different Production: CCT is made via a specific esterification process, while MCT oil typically involves fractionation of source oils.
Distinct Applications: CCT is a primary ingredient in cosmetics for its light, stable emollience, whereas MCT oil is a popular dietary supplement for energy and keto support.
Cosmetic Regulation: CCT has a regulated INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) name, making it reliable for cosmetic labeling, which is not true for the generic term MCT oil.

Understanding the Basics: What Are Triglycerides?

Before differentiating caprylic capric triglyceride (CCT) and MCT oil, it's crucial to understand what a triglyceride is. A triglyceride is a molecule composed of a glycerol backbone and three fatty acid chains. These fatty acid chains can vary in length. Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) have shorter fatty acid chains, typically 6 to 12 carbon atoms long, making them easier to digest and absorb than the long-chain triglycerides (LCTs) found in most other fats.

What is MCT Oil?

Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) oil is a dietary supplement and nutritional product consisting of 100% medium-chain triglycerides. It is typically produced by refining raw coconut or palm kernel oil to concentrate the MCTs, primarily caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10). However, some MCT oils can also contain caproic acid (C6) or lauric acid (C12).

MCT oil is widely used for its rapid energy conversion, especially by those on ketogenic diets, as it can be quickly metabolized into ketones by the liver. Its neutral flavor and liquid state at room temperature also make it a popular addition to coffee, shakes, and salad dressings.

Common Uses of MCT Oil

Dietary Supplement: Promotes ketone production for ketogenic diets.
Weight Management: Increases feelings of fullness and metabolic rate.
Energy Booster: Provides a quick, readily available energy source for the brain and muscles.
Nutritional Support: Aids nutrient absorption for those with malabsorption disorders.

What is Caprylic Capric Triglyceride (CCT)?

Caprylic Capric Triglyceride, often abbreviated as CCT, is a specific type of MCT. It is a mixed ester composed only of caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) bonded to a glycerin backbone. CCT is created through a specialized process called esterification, which isolates and recombines these specific fatty acids. This makes it a highly refined and stable ingredient, but it can be derived from either coconut or palm kernel oil.

CCT is most famously used in the cosmetics and personal care industries, valued for its light, non-greasy feel and long shelf life. It acts as a superb emollient, skin-replenishing agent, and carrier oil for other active ingredients.

Common Uses of Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

Skincare: Moisturizers, serums, and cleansers.
Cosmetics: Lip balms, foundations, and primers.
Haircare: Conditioners and hair oils.
As a Solvent: Helps dissolve other ingredients in formulations.
Food Additive: Used as an emulsifier or flavor carrier in some foods.

Comparison: Caprylic Capric Triglyceride vs. MCT Oil

While closely related, the two have distinct differences in composition and use. The table below highlights the key contrasts.


Feature	MCT Oil	Caprylic Capric Triglyceride (CCT)
Composition	Can be a mix of C6, C8, C10, and sometimes C12 fatty acids.	A highly refined and specific blend of only C8 (caprylic) and C10 (capric) fatty acids.
Purity	Less uniform in composition; depends on the concentration of different MCTs.	A pure, standardized ester with a consistent C8 and C10 ratio.
Production	Produced through fractionation of coconut or palm kernel oil, separating MCTs from LCTs.	Produced through esterification, where isolated C8 and C10 fatty acids are re-bonded to glycerol.
Primary Uses	Dietary supplement for energy, ketones, and weight management.	Emollient and carrier oil for cosmetic and skincare products.
Inci Name	A broad term; not a regulated cosmetic ingredient name.	An INCI-recognized, official cosmetic ingredient name.

Not Interchangeable: Choosing the Right Product

Because of these differences, CCT and general MCT oil are not perfectly interchangeable, especially in commercial applications. For a cosmetic formulation requiring precise, stable, and specific emollient properties, CCT is the reliable choice with its INCI name and consistent composition. For dietary supplementation focused on metabolic benefits like ketone production, a high-purity MCT oil containing concentrated C8 and C10 is preferred.

Furthermore, the term "fractionated coconut oil" often causes confusion. While it's a form of MCT oil, it is not the same as pure CCT. Fractionated coconut oil is made by distilling coconut oil to remove the longer chain fatty acids (like lauric acid), leaving mostly medium-chain varieties. The resulting oil is a mix, not the refined C8/C10 blend of CCT. For a deeper dive into ingredient distinctions, see this useful resource from Natural Bulk Supplies.

Conclusion: A Matter of Specificity

To conclude, while caprylic capric triglyceride is a specific type of medium-chain triglyceride, it is not synonymous with the broader term MCT oil. MCT oil refers to any purified oil containing medium-chain fatty acids, while CCT is a highly refined and standardized ester of only caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids, tailored specifically for stability and sensory performance in cosmetics and certain food applications. Knowing this crucial distinction is essential for understanding product labels and choosing the right ingredient for your specific needs, whether for dietary health or personal care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, CCT is widely considered safe for most skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog pores, and acts as a gentle emollient.

While CCT is used as a food additive in some products, it is not generally sold as a cooking oil. For cooking and dietary purposes, a product specifically marketed as MCT oil is the correct choice, although it has a low smoke point.

Fractionated coconut oil is a common name for a product similar to, but not identical with, CCT. It is made by distilling coconut oil to remove LCTs, but it results in a mix of remaining medium-chain fatty acids, not just the purified C8 and C10 found in CCT.

MCTs are rapidly absorbed and transported directly to the liver, where they are converted into ketones. The body and brain can then use these ketones as a quick and efficient source of fuel, especially during a low-carbohydrate diet.

CCT is a popular cosmetic ingredient because it is an excellent emollient that softens the skin without a greasy residue. It also improves the texture and spreadability of products, provides antioxidant benefits, and helps stabilize other active ingredients.

Some studies suggest that MCT oil can assist with weight management by increasing feelings of fullness and metabolic rate. However, more research is needed, and results can vary depending on individual diet and lifestyle.

CCT can be derived from either coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Its specific composition of C8 and C10 fatty acids is the defining characteristic, not its source oil.