TRIcare CG Capryloyl Glycine

What TRIcare CG is

TRIcare CG is capryloyl glycine, a lipoamino acid made by joining caprylic acid with the amino acid glycine. It is a multifunctional ingredient: it supports the preservative system of a formula and also acts on the skin, where it helps reduce oiliness, the look of redness and the look of pores. It is made by a patented, solvent-free green chemistry process that reaches 100 percent atom conversion and uses a biodegradable catalyst, and it has a natural origin index of 0.63.

It sits with the functional actives in our cosmetic actives section. In oil control products it pairs naturally with niacinamide and zinc PCA, and in scalp products with piroctone olamine or a gentle soothing base.

Composition and label INCI

The INCI is Capryloyl Glycine and the CAS number is 14246-53-8. It is a free-flowing or agglomerated white powder or crystal. TRIcare CG has passed testing to the MyMicrobiome Standard 18.11 for face and body and 19.20 for scalp, and is certified microbiome-friendly.

What it does in skin care

Testing reported by the producer shows reduced sebum, less visible redness and smaller-looking pores. It is active against the look of blemishes and to a flaky scalp, and a lasting reduction in visible flakes has been shown after use. As some consumers move away from caprylyl glycol, TRIcare CG gives comparable support to preservation with a gentler profile, and it is compatible with sensitive skin. It works alongside phenoxyethanol, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate or hydroxyacetophenone; it supports these preservatives and does not replace a full system on its own.

How to use it

The powder does not dissolve in water at room temperature, so heat is needed. For emulsions, add it to the heated water phase at 75 to 85 °C. Its solubility drops below pH 5, and emulsifiers or solvents such as glycerin improve it. Adjust the final pH to 5.5 to 6.0 for the strongest preservative support and good stability. For rinse-off products, add it to the heated water phase after the surfactants, at 75 to 85 °C. For gels, add it to the heated water phase at 75 to 85 °C after the carbomer and before neutralization. Keep the finished product within pH 3.0 to 6.5.

Practical tips

Premixing the powder with the glycerin of the formula before adding hot water helps it dissolve faster. If a cream turns grainy on cooling, the pH has probably drifted below 5; raise it slightly.

Bench example: oil balancing gel-cream

This 100 g bench batch shows one way to use the material. For phase A, weigh 76.4 g distilled water, 4 g glycerin and 1 g TRIcare CG, and heat to 80 °C while stirring until the powder dissolves. Add 0.3 g xanthan gum. For phase B, weigh 8 g light ester such as coco-caprylate and 3.5 g of an oil-in-water emulsifier rated for that oil load, heated to 80 °C. Combine and homogenize. Below 40 °C, add 4 g niacinamide predissolved in 2 g water and 0.8 g phenoxyethanol. Adjust the pH to 5.5 to 6.0.

Where it fits in a product line

TRIcare CG suits mattifying moisturizers, toners for oily skin, anti-flake shampoos and scalp tonics, deodorant creams and any formula that needs gentler preservation support.

Storage

Keep the powder in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry place. Close the pack quickly after each use to keep moisture out. For cosmetic formulation use only.