C18-36 Acid Triglyceride

C18-36 Acid Triglyceride is a high–molecular weight lipid emollient/structuring agent used at low to moderate concentrations to improve texture and reduce transepidermal water loss. As a non-volatile, non-reactive triglyceride mixture, it is not an active and is generally well tolerated in patch testing with irritation being uncommon. In very reactive or eczema-prone patients, any rich lipid can rarely contribute to subjective stinging or follicular issues, so I do not score it as fully inert but still very gentle. Safety Notes: C18-36 Acid Triglyceride is commonly used as a viscosity builder/structurant and emollient in leave-on creams, lotions, and stick/balm formats, where it often appears at low levels (~0.1–1%) as a secondary thickener or sensory modifier. In richer anhydrous balms, pomades, and high-structure body butters (OTC consumer products), it can be a primary structuring lipid and is observed in the ~10–20% range to build firmness, payoff, and gloss. Rinse-off cleansers typically sit toward the low end (if used at all) due to surfactant dilution and cost/handling, while the highest levels are predominantly in leave-on anhydrous or low-water systems.