Tricaprylin
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Trioctanoin, 538-23-8, Tricaprilin, Glycerol trioctanoate, Rato, Glycerol tricaprylate, Trioctanoylglycerol, Glyceryl trioctanoate
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Synthetic
Clean
Trioctanoin is a triglyceride obtained by acylation of the three hydroxy groups of glycerol by octanoic acid. Used as an alternative energy source to glucose for patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It has a role as an anticonvulsant and a plant metabolite. It is a triglyceride and an octanoate ester.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C27H50O6
Mol. Weight
470.70
CAS #
538-23-8
Form
Liquid
State
Tricaprylin is an odorless viscous clear colorless to amber-brown liquid. (NTP, 1992)
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Perfuming
Softens and smooths skin
Traditional Use
A synthetic triglyceride developed as a skin conditioning and emollient agent in modern cosmetics. Created to provide lightweight moisturization similar to natural oils without the odor or spoilage issues.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR