Tricaprylyl/Capryl Trimellitate
AKA “Trimellitate Plasticizer, Caprylic Trimellitate
Emollient
Ingredient Facts
Tricaprylyl/capryl trimellitate
AKA: Trimellitate Plasticizer, Caprylic Trimellitate
Emollient · Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid, triesters with mixed decyl and octyl alcohols
CAS #
90218-76-1
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Plasticiser
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A modern synthetic ester created by esterifying trimellitic acid with caprylyl and capryl alcohols. Developed for cosmetics as a non-greasy emollient and texture enhancer in foundations and powders.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR