What is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

At Therapy Clean, we often receive questions about the inclusion of caprylic/capric triglyceride in our cleaning products. While it may not be a common ingredient across most household brands, we've discovered that it excels in what it does best—polishing and protecting surfaces.

A Natural Solution to an Age-Old Problem


For years, the household cleaning industry has relied on synthetic polymers and petroleum-based solvents to achieve a polished shine on surfaces. These low-viscosity ingredients spread easily and leave minimal residue, effectively enhancing the appearance of your home. However, they come with significant drawbacks:

  • Non-Renewable Resources: Being petroleum-derived, they are not sustainable and contribute to environmental depletion.
  • Potential Irritants: Synthetic chemicals can be harsh on the skin and may cause irritation upon contact.


We sought a better alternative—enter caprylic/capric triglyceride.

What Is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and Where Does It Come From?

Caprylic/capric triglyceride is a naturally derived ingredient sourced from coconut oil or palm kernel oil. Through a process called esterification, the medium-chain fatty acids caprylic acid (C8) and capric acid (C10) are bonded with glycerol. This process results in a highly stable and neutral oil known as caprylic/capric triglyceride.

Esterification is a chemical reaction that combines an alcohol (like glycerol) with an acid (like caprylic or capric acid) to form an ester—in this case, our key ingredient. This method ensures the purity and effectiveness of the compound, making it ideal for various applications.

The Look and Feel of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride

This ingredient is a colorless and odorless liquid with an exceptionally light texture. Its low viscosity allows it to spread effortlessly across surfaces, creating a smooth, even layer that enhances shine without leaving a greasy residue. These characteristics also make it a popular choice in skincare products, where it's valued for its non-greasy feel and moisturizing properties.

What Are Other Names for Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

You might have heard of terms like "MCT Oil" or "Fractionated Coconut Oil" and wondered if they're the same as caprylic/capric triglyceride. While they are related, there are important distinctions:

MCT Oil (Medium-Chain Triglyceride Oil): This is a broader category that includes medium-chain fatty acids like caprylic (C8), capric (C10), and sometimes lauric acid (C12). MCT oil is often used in dietary supplements for its quick energy-release properties.

Fractionated Coconut Oil: This is coconut oil that has been distilled to separate out the long-chain fatty acids, leaving primarily medium-chain fatty acids.
Caprylic/capric triglyceride is more specific—it consists only of the C8 and C10 fatty acids bonded with glycerol. This specificity gives it unique properties that are particularly beneficial for polishing and skin contact applications.

Why Does Therapy Clean Use Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

We are committed to creating products that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Here's why caprylic/capric triglyceride is a star ingredient in our formulas:

  • Superior Polishing Ability: It spreads easily and forms a smooth, protective layer that enhances the shine of surfaces.
  • Eco-Friendly: Derived from renewable resources like coconut and palm kernel oil, it reduces our reliance on non-renewable petroleum-based ingredients.
  • Safe for Skin Contact: It's gentle and non-irritating, so you don't have to worry about harsh chemicals drying out or harming your skin during cleaning.
  • Residue-Free Finish: Leaves surfaces looking clean and polished without any sticky or greasy residue.

Our customers often remark on how rejuvenated their surfaces look after using Therapy Clean products. The added bonus? Your hands feel just as good, thanks to the skin-friendly nature of caprylic/capric triglyceride.

So, if you've ever wondered about caprylic/capric triglyceride, now you know why it's an essential part of our formula and why it's a superior alternative to traditional, petroleum-based ingredients. We're always here to answer your questions—feel free to reach out and discover more about how we're redefining clean, one natural ingredient at a time!

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