Is Coconut Oil the Same as Caprylic Capric Triglyceride?

November 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While both originate from the same natural source, coconut oil and caprylic capric triglyceride are not the same, as one is a refined, isolated component of the other. This distinction fundamentally alters their physical properties, shelf-life, and how they function in various products, from moisturizers to dietary supplements.

Quick Summary

Caprylic capric triglyceride is a highly refined ester derived from coconut oil's medium-chain fatty acids, specifically caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids. Unlike whole coconut oil, it is lightweight, odorless, liquid at room temperature, and less likely to clog pores. The refining process creates a highly stable ingredient prized in cosmetics and supplements.

Key Points

Not the Same: Caprylic capric triglyceride is a refined, processed ester derived from coconut oil, not the same as the whole, unprocessed oil.
Targeted Fatty Acids: It is made by isolating specific medium-chain fatty acids (caprylic C8 and capric C10) from coconut oil through hydrolysis and esterification.
Superior for Skincare: Caprylic capric triglyceride is a lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic emollient, unlike heavier, pore-clogging whole coconut oil.
High Stability: The refinement process makes it highly resistant to oxidation, giving it a much longer shelf life than whole coconut oil.
Ingredient Functionality: It functions as an excellent solvent, carrier, and dispersant for other cosmetic ingredients, improving product texture and stability.
Different Uses: Its distinct properties make it ideal for high-end cosmetics and MCT oil supplements, whereas whole coconut oil is often used for cooking and less-refined applications.
Safety Profile: It is generally safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin due to the removal of problematic long-chain fatty acids like lauric acid.

Understanding the Raw Material vs. the Refined Product

Many assume that because caprylic capric triglyceride is made from coconut oil, they are interchangeable. This is a common but crucial misunderstanding. Whole coconut oil is a complex mixture of many different fatty acids, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) like caprylic (C8) and capric (C10), but also significant amounts of long-chain fatty acids such as lauric acid (C12).

The fundamental difference lies in the processing. Caprylic capric triglyceride is a highly purified and standardized ingredient created through a process called esterification. This manufacturing step isolates only the desired C8 and C10 fatty acids from the coconut oil before recombining them with a glycerin backbone. This targeted extraction and synthesis result in a product with a completely different profile from the unprocessed whole oil.

The Manufacturing Process: From Whole Oil to Refined Ester

Hydrolysis: The process begins by splitting the coconut oil into its constituent parts: fatty acids and glycerol, using heat and pressure.
Distillation: The separated fatty acids are then distilled to isolate only the medium-chain caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids. The long-chain fatty acids, notably lauric acid, are removed at this stage.
Esterification: Finally, the isolated caprylic and capric acids are re-esterified with a glycerin backbone to create the stable, finished caprylic capric triglyceride.

This careful process removes the components that can cause oxidation and instability in whole coconut oil, creating an ingredient with a much longer shelf life and better performance characteristics for specific applications.

Comparison: Coconut Oil vs. Caprylic Capric Triglyceride

To further clarify the differences, here is a detailed comparison of the two substances.


Feature	Whole Coconut Oil	Caprylic Capric Triglyceride
Composition	Contains a full spectrum of fatty acids, including lauric acid (C12), caprylic acid (C8), and capric acid (C10).	Contains only isolated caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10), excluding longer-chain fatty acids.
Physical State	Solid at or below room temperature (around 76°F), with a solid, buttery consistency.	A clear, colorless, and odorless liquid at all room temperatures.
Texture & Feel	Can feel heavy and greasy on the skin, as it solidifies on the surface.	Offers a lightweight, silky, and non-greasy feel, absorbing quickly into the skin.
Comedogenicity	Considered comedogenic due to its lauric acid content, meaning it can clog pores and exacerbate acne.	Generally considered non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Shelf Stability	Less stable and more prone to oxidation, which can lead to a rancid odor over time.	Highly stable and resistant to oxidation, extending the shelf life of formulations.
Primary Uses	Cooking, dietary supplements, and less-refined skincare products.	High-end cosmetics, lotions, serums, supplements (MCT oil), and fragrance carriers.
Processing	Cold-pressed or refined through standard distillation.	Processed through hydrolysis and esterification to isolate specific fatty acids.

Why the Distinction Matters for Consumers and Formulators

The unique characteristics of caprylic capric triglyceride are what make it so valuable in cosmetics and skincare. Its lightweight nature and non-comedogenic properties mean it can provide excellent moisturization and act as a carrier for active ingredients without the heaviness or pore-clogging potential of unprocessed coconut oil. For cosmetic chemists, its stability and low viscosity make it an ideal solvent and dispersant for pigments and other ingredients. For those with sensitive skin, this refinement is particularly important as it minimizes the risk of irritation and breakouts associated with longer-chain fatty acids.

In the health and wellness sphere, caprylic capric triglyceride is often marketed as MCT oil for dietary supplements. Since it is composed primarily of C8 and C10 fatty acids, it is more readily metabolized by the body for quick energy, making it a popular choice for ketogenic diets. The specific composition and refinement give it an edge over raw coconut oil for these specialized applications.

Conclusion: The Refined Advantage

To definitively answer the question, coconut oil is not the same as caprylic capric triglyceride. While the latter is derived from the former, it is a highly refined and processed version with distinct chemical and physical properties. Whole coconut oil is a natural, multi-purpose oil containing a mix of fatty acids. In contrast, caprylic capric triglyceride is a specific, engineered ester composed of only the C8 and C10 fatty acids, offering superior stability, a lightweight texture, and non-comedogenic qualities. This makes it a prized ingredient for formulators aiming for high-performance, elegant cosmetic products and for health-conscious consumers seeking the specific benefits of pure medium-chain triglycerides. Understanding this difference is key to making informed choices for your skin and wellness needs.

For more in-depth information on cosmetic ingredients, consider reviewing the detailed ingredient profiles on reputable sites like Cosmetics Info.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary difference is their composition. Coconut oil contains a full spectrum of fatty acids, including long-chain ones like lauric acid, whereas caprylic capric triglyceride is a specific, highly refined ester made by isolating only the medium-chain caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) fatty acids.

Caprylic capric triglyceride is generally better for sensitive or acne-prone skin because it is non-comedogenic and lightweight. Unlike whole coconut oil, the refinement process removes the longer-chain lauric acid, which is known to clog pores for some individuals.

While both offer moisturizing benefits, they function differently. Caprylic capric triglyceride acts as a non-greasy emollient that forms a protective barrier and helps other ingredients absorb more effectively. Whole coconut oil can feel heavier and may not be suitable for all skin types.

No, while closely related, they are not strictly the same. Fractionated coconut oil is made by distilling coconut oil to remove longer fatty acids. Caprylic capric triglyceride is created via a more specific process (hydrolysis and esterification) to isolate and combine only the C8 and C10 fatty acids. However, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably in a general sense.

It is made through a chemical process involving three main steps: hydrolysis to separate fatty acids and glycerol, distillation to isolate the medium-chain caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids, and finally, re-esterification to recombine them with a glycerol backbone.

Yes, the FDA generally recognizes caprylic capric triglyceride as safe for consumption in small amounts as a food additive. In larger quantities, it is widely used in dietary supplements, often marketed as MCT oil.

Cosmetic formulators favor it for its stability, light texture, and lack of odor, which prevents it from interfering with a product's fragrance. It acts as an excellent emollient, solvent, and dispersing agent, improving the overall feel and function of products like lotions, serums, and foundations.