A lot of your skin concerns can be addressed by proper moisturization and care. Caprylyl glycol is one of the skin care ingredients for skin hydration. You might have noticed this name on the ingredients list and got confused with yet another drying alcohol. In reality, caprylyl glycol is a humectant. It is an alcohol-derivative of caprylic acid, which is naturally present in coconut oil.
Read on to know more about caprylyl glycol, its benefits, and how to use it.
Caprylyl glycol (or 1,2-octanediol) is an alcohol derivative of caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oils. Though it is an alcoholic derivative, it does not harm your skin but keeps it moisturized (1). It is a colorless liquid, has a neutral fragrance, and is produced synthetically for commercial and cosmetic uses.
Caprylyl glycol is widely used in skin care products because it works as a humectant and a natural preservative. It increases the shelf life of products and has several other benefits.
1. Moisturizes The Skin:
Caprylyl glycol is a humectant that pulls water from the dermis (second layer) to the epidermis (top layer) or from the atmosphere to your skin to keep it moisturized (2). Moisturized skin appears plump, smooth, soft, and youthful (with minimal fine lines).
2. Preserves Your Skin Care Products: It works as an excellent preservative because of its antimicrobial properties (2). This derivative of caprylic acid benefits your skincare products by increasing their shelf life. It is a better alternative to chemical preservatives.
3. Improves Product Texture:The amphiphilic (water-loving and fat-loving) nature of caprylyl glycol increases the product’s spreadability, which aids in product application and proper absorption of the ingredients by your skin.
Pro Tip
Apply caprylyl glycol-containing skin care products in order of thickness, starting with thinner formulations such as toners, followed by thicker ones such as creams or lotions.
If you are wondering about the skin safety of caprylyl glycol, read the next section.
Yes. According to the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel, caprylyl glycol is safe to be used in skin care products (3). A study shows that products containing caprylyl glycol do not cause any skin sensitivity (4).
In addition, caprylyl glycol acts as a supporting ingredient in a product and is diluted before use. Therefore, the chances of side effects are very minimal. It may irritate the skin if used in high concentrations (which is usually not done).
Note: If you have sensitive skin or any existing skin condition, do a patch test before using it.
Caprylyl glycol is often misunderstood as it belongs to the glycol family. Many believe that glycols are sensitizers. But, the fact is, glycols are a broad class of chemicals, and each individual chemical has a unique chemical structure and property. Not all glycols irritate the skin.
Quick Tip
Exercise caution when combining products that contain caprylyl glycol with active ingredients such as acids or retinoids as it may make the skin more sensitive.
In the next section, we will understand how to use caprylyl glycol.
Caprylyl glycol works well with all skin types and is commonly used in:
You can check the ingredients list of the product and use it as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Caprylyl glycol is one of the best ways to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin. It is widely used across cosmetic products as an emollient and to increase the products shelf life. Caprylyl glycol’s amphiphilic property allows better application and absorption of other cosmetic products. In moderate quantities, caprylyl glycol is safe for application and has lower chances of causing skin irritation. You can choose moisturizers, creams, or lotions with caprylyl glycol for skin hydration and rejuvenation. People with sensitive skin should conduct a patch test before application.
Is caprylyl glycol fungal acne safe?
According to anecdotal evidence, caprylyl glycol is effective for fungal acne. The compound seems to have a mild antibacterial effect and lowers your chances of skin infection. It is usually considered safe when applied topically.
Is caprylyl glycol a silicone?
No, caprylyl glycol is not a silicone. It is an alcohol derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm kernel oils.
Is caprylyl glycol similar to propylene glycol?
When you hear the word “glycol,” you might recall hearing that propylene glycol, a possibly toxic byproduct found in antifreeze and some foods, is potentially dangerous. So, you should use propylene glycol for the skin with caution. However, while some glycols are potentially harmful and should not be used topically in any skin care product, caprylyl glycol is not one of them.
Watch this video for a better understanding of caprylyl glycol and its mode of action. Unravel why this ingredient is a skin care superhero and used in most beauty products. Play now to know more.