A foundational class of emollients that balance softness, flexibility, and performance.
Triglycerides are one of the most common types of emollients used in skincare. They form the backbone of many plant oils and are also used in refined forms to improve texture, stability, and skin feel.
They sit in the middle of the emollient spectrum — not as rich as butters, not as dry as esters — making them one of the most versatile tools in formulation.
What Are Triglycerides?
Triglycerides are molecules made from glycerin and fatty acids. They are naturally present in many plant oils and are also used in refined forms in skincare to improve spreadability and overall feel.
Because of their structure, they provide a smooth, flexible layer on the skin that helps improve softness and comfort without feeling overly heavy.
Why They Are Used
Balanced Emollience
Provide softness and conditioning without the heaviness of richer materials.
Smooth Texture
Help formulas spread easily and feel more fluid during application.
Versatility
Work well across oils, creams, balms, serums, and cleansers.
Formulation Support
Help connect heavier and lighter ingredients into a more cohesive formula.
Types of Triglycerides
| Type | What It Is | Typical Feel | Examples | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Triglycerides | Whole plant oils containing fatty acid blends | Richer, more nourishing | Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Oil, Argan Oil | Plant Oils |
| Refined Triglycerides | Processed triglycerides designed for improved stability and feel | Smoother, lighter, more controlled | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | View Page |
How Triglycerides Compare to Other Emollients
| Emollient Type | Typical Feel | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Butters | Dense, rich, protective | Heavy end |
| Plant Oils | Conditioning, natural | Medium-heavy |
| Triglycerides | Smooth, balanced, flexible | Middle |
| Esters | Light, silky, dry-touch | Light end |
Why They Matter in Formulation
Triglycerides are often used to stabilize and balance formulas. They can soften the feel of stronger or more active-heavy products and help create a more cohesive overall texture.
They are especially useful when a formula needs to feel nourishing without becoming heavy, or when lighter emollients need additional support.
How We Think About Them
We use triglycerides as structural ingredients. They help connect different parts of a formula and make the final product feel more complete.
They are not usually the most noticeable ingredient on their own, but they play a major role in how a formula performs and feels in real use.
