A common cosmetic ingredient: Caprylyl glycol

What is Caprylyl Glycol?

Just like food additives, it is very important to be careful about additives in cosmetics.
You want to choose something as safe as possible. With that in mind, some people may look at the list of ingredients when selecting cosmetics.

When you look at the full ingredient list, you may notice that many cosmetics contain the same ingredients. Why is this the case, even though they are not the most talked-about active ingredients?

In this article, we will explain one such ingredient: caprylyl glycol.

What is Caprylyl Glycol?

Caprylyl glycol is an alcohol derived from caprylic acid. It is derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in butter, palm oil, and coconut oil.

Although it is called alcohol, it is not the same as ethanol , which can irritate and dry the skin. It is a low-irritation ingredient that can be used safely on most skin types, and is used in cosmetics as a moisturizer.

The role of caprylyl glycol

Moisturizes the skin

The main purpose of caprylyl glycol is to moisturize the skin. It attracts moisture and keeps it there, preventing it from evaporating from the skin's surface.
It retains moisture, leaving your skin plump and radiant.

It also acts as an emollient, making skin soft and supple while supporting the skin barrier .

It is also sometimes used as a moisturizing ingredient in hair conditioners.

Antiseptic effect

Caprylyl glycol also has a preservative effect. Although it is not as strong as parabens , it does help prevent the growth of bacteria.

Improved usability

It also helps skin care products spread better and penetrate more easily, giving lotions and creams a pleasant texture.

Products containing caprylyl glycol

• Toner
• Milky lotion
• cream
• Face masks
• Facial cleanser
• Foundation
• lipstick
• Sunscreen
• shampoo
• conditioner

It is often used in cosmetics to moisturize the skin.

Caprylyl Glycol Safety

When used in very high concentrations, there is a possibility that it may cause skin irritation or inflammation.
However, an evaluation by the American Cosmetic Ingredient Review has determined that it is safe for most people when used in low concentrations in cosmetics.

At the same time, however, it has been noted that caprylyl glycol may increase the penetration of certain ingredients.
Therefore, if a product contains ingredients that are not designed to penetrate the skin, the safety of the formulation may not be guaranteed.

In general, it is considered safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, it depends on the combination of ingredients.
When choosing cosmetics containing caprylyl glycol, it is important to carefully check each manufacturer's safety policy.