| What is it? | PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides is a water-soluble emollient made from medium chain triglycerides typically sourced from coconut oil. The HLB value is approximately 12.5–14. |
| INCI | PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides |
| Appearance | Thin clear liquid |
| Usage rate | 0.5–5% |
| Texture | Smooth, slick liquid |
| Scent | Nothing much |
| Charge | Non-ionic |
| Solubility | Water, alcohol, and oil |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides are pretty versatile! I primarily use this ingredient as the active cleansing ingredient in micellar water formulations; I’ve experimented with every liquid surfactant/solubilizer I own and only PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides produce good results.
PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides can also be included in body washes and other surfactant products to make them gentler and more emollient, and as a solubilizer. |
| Do you need it? | If you want to make micellar water I consider it to be essential. Otherwise, no. |
| Refined or unrefined? | PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Excellent skin feel, even in leave-on applications. Versatile, gentle ingredient. |
| Weaknesses | Not considered natural, can be harder to find than other surfactants. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | In micellar water I have not found any suitable alternatives to PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides. In other projects other water soluble “oils” like Olivem 300 will work well.
DO NOT use Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside or Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides instead of PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides. Make sure you look at the INCI of what you are purchasing and ensure it matches. PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides are sometimes sold as PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric glycerides, but will always have the “PEG-6” part and will never include the word “glucoside”. |
| How to Work with It | Include it in the water phase of your products; PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides should last at least 2–3 years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides are in no way interchangeable with Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides or Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside. |
| Recommended starter amount | If you’re primarily using PEG-6 Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides for micellar water 30mL (1fl oz) will go a very long way. If you also wish to use it as a water soluble emollient I’d purchase at least 100mL (3.3fl oz). |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier.
Check the INCI to be certain you are not purchasing Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside or Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides by accident! |
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