Ca
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Caprylhydroxamic Acid
A gentle preservative-booster and chelator that works across a range of pH, letting formulas rely on milder preservative systems.
What it does
Caprylhydroxamic acid helps keep products free of microbial growth and binds metal ions, and it stays effective across a wider pH range than some preservatives. It is frequently paired with glycols in "preservative-free"-style systems. Its role is keeping the formula safe and stable, not acting on the skin.
Also known as
cha
Browse all 668 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.
This page is public so a shared ingredient card always has its sources behind it — and so you can check them without an account.
Want more like this?
Every evidence-based flag cites its source, Drop tells you when your routine is complete, and it helps you simplify — instead of selling you more. The app launches on iOS and Android in October 2026. Rate my routine works today at /rate — no sign-in.