For children 5 years and older (school-age kids): Tricaprylin is a lightweight oil used to soften skin and help creams spread. It is generally low risk for everyday use on normal, unbroken skin.
Use products that list Tricaprylin as directed. Do a small patch test on the inner forearm before regular use. Avoid putting products with this ingredient on broken or irritated skin. Don’t mix with strong active treatments (like prescription retinoids or strong acids) on the same area at the same time. If you see redness, swelling, or a rash, stop use and check with your pediatrician.
Main things to watch for: it can act as a ‘penetration enhancer’ and may increase how much of other ingredients get through the skin (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). There are some data gaps in safety testing and some assessments relied on related chemicals (Cosmetic Ingredient Review). A government agency has reported very limited lab evidence of mutagenicity (EPA). Government reviews (Environment Canada, ECHA) generally do not expect it to be highly toxic. Some product certification programs restrict its use unless manufacturers provide safety data—if you prefer fully restricted products, look for alternatives.
Scan the full ingredient label and understand if it's safe for your child.
This ingredient has the following documented risks:
Tap or hover over labels to see detailed risk information.
This ingredient may also be listed as:
Always check ingredient labels carefully, as ingredients may be listed under different names.
Scientific research related to this ingredient:
These research articles provide scientific evidence about Tricaprylin safety and effects.
Yes, Tricaprylin is generally considered safe for 5+ year old children based on current research.
Can be absorbed through the skin and get into the bloodstream.
Connected to cancer risk with long-term or repeated exposure.
Possible negative effects on the environment
Tricaprylin is commonly found in skincare products, cosmetics, and topical applications. Always check ingredient labels before use.
The appropriate age depends on the specific ingredient properties and concentration. This analysis is for 5+ year old children. Use the age selector above to check other ages.
Use our camera scanner to analyze more ingredient labels
Scan Another Product