Tricaprylin

Synonyms: Caprylic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester; caprylic acid triglyceride; Captex 8000; glycerin tricaprylate; glycerol tricaprylate; glycerol trioctanoate; glyceryl tricaprylate; glyceryl trioctanoate; Hest TC; MCT; Miglyol 808; n-octanoic acid glycerol triester; octanoic acid, 1,2,3-propanetriyl ester; Panasate 800; Rofetan GTC; tricaprilin; tricapryloglycerol; tricaprylylglycerin; trioctanoin; trioctonolglycerol.

Description: Tricaprylin occurs as a clear, colorless to pale-yellow liquid. It forms crystals from acetone/ethanol (95%). Tricaprylin is odorless.

Chemical Name: 1,3-Di(octanoyloxy)propan-2-yl octanoate

Emollient; lubricant; penetration enhancer; solubilizing agent; solvent.

• Tricaprylin is used in pharmaceutical preparations as a neutral carrier, absorption promoter, and solubilizer for active drugs.

• It has been used as an oily phase to prepare water-in-oil-in-water multiple emulsions for incorporating water-soluble drugs such as cefadroxil, cephradine, 4-aminoantipyrine, and antipyrine, and also for obtaining stable microcapsules.

• Tricaprylin acts as a vehicle for topical creams and lotions, and cosmetic preparations.

• It is used as a penetration-enhancing lipid base with excellent emollient and skin-smoothing properties.

• Owing to its non-greasy components and low viscosity, it has very good spreadability.

• In spite of being skin-permeable, tricaprylin does not obstruct natural skin respiration, and hence it is used in baby oils, massage oils, and face masks.

• It is an excellent dispersant, and acts as a solubilizer, wetting agent and binder in color cosmetics.

• Being readily miscible with natural oils and surfactants, tricaprylin is used as the fat component in two-phase foam baths.

• It is used in sunscreen creams and oils because of its compatibility with organic and inorganic filter agents.

• It is also used as a fixative for perfumes/fragrances.

Tricaprylin is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents.

Tricaprylin is used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found that dermal application of tricaprylin has not been associated with significant irritation in rabbit skin. However, as a penetration enhancer, tricaprylin may allow other chemicals to penetrate deeper into the skin, increasing their concentration so that they may reach the bloodstream. Ocular exposures of tricaprylin were found to be only mildly irritating to rabbit eyes. Little or no acute, subchronic, or chronic oral toxicity was observed in animal studies unless levels approached a significant percentage of caloric intake. Subcutaneous injections of tricaprylin in rats over a period of 5 weeks caused a granulomatous reaction.

Observe normal precautions appropriate to the circumstances and quantity of the material handled. Use of a mask and/or respirator is recommended. When heated to decomposition, tricaprylin emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. Ventilation is recommended to control dust or fumes from the heated material. Chemical splash goggles are recommended for eye protection, and neoprene-type gloves are also recommended.

Glyceryl triisooctanoate; medium-chain triglycerides.