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Caprylyl Glycol

Caprylyl GlycolHydrator

Multi-functional glycol. Adds a small humectant boost while supporting the formula's preservative system.

What it does

Caprylyl glycol is a small-molecule glycol that does double duty: it functions as a mild humectant and skin conditioner, and it boosts the antimicrobial efficacy of the formula's primary preservative. Common pairing partners are phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin. It does not carry propylene glycol's irritation profile, and most people tolerate it well. It is not universally inert, though. The contact-dermatitis literature has more recently flagged it as a relevant sensitiser warranting its own patch test.

The evidence, graded

expert consensusCaprylyl glycol and pentylene glycol are 1,2-glycols used mainly as skin and hair conditioning agents and viscosity agents, and both also function as cosmetic preservatives. Expert-panel review concluded the reviewed 1,2-glycols are safe at present practices of use and concentration.Johnson 2012 · International journal of toxicology ↗

Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.

Pairs worth knowing

Phenoxyethanol · works together ↗Ethylhexylglycerin · works together ↗Glycerin · works together ↗

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