Skincare Ingredient
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Caprylyl Glycol
In Skincare: Is Caprylyl Glycol Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Safety Information
Quick Insights
At a glance
- 01
Caprylyl glycol functions as a skin and hair conditioning agent.
- 02
This ingredient can be obtained through synthetic or naturally derived processes.
- 03
Caprylyl glycol contributes to formula preservation by inhibiting microbial growth.
- 04
The CIR Expert Panel has determined caprylyl glycol to be safe for use in cosmetic formulations.
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Caprylyl Glycol
Role of Caprylyl Glycol
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
DEODORANT
Odor NeutralizerMasks or neutralizes body odor
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Deodorants combat body odor through antimicrobial action against odor-causing bacteria (Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus), odor absorption/adsorption, enzymatic inhibition, or masking with fragrance. Active ingredients include antimicrobials, odor absorbers (zinc ricinoleate, cyclodextrins), and fragrances. They prevent bacterial conversion of sweat components into volatile malodorous compounds without reducing sweat volume.
HAIR CONDITIONING
Hair SoftenerImproves hair manageability, softness, and appearance
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Hair conditioning ingredients smooth the cuticle, reduce frizz, and add shine through cationic surfactants (behentrimonium chloride), silicones (dimethicone, amodimethicone), natural oils, and proteins. These deposit on negatively charged damaged sites, neutralizing charge, filling surface irregularities, and providing lubrication. Mechanism involves electrostatic attraction, film formation, and surface smoothing.
SKIN CONDITIONING
Skin EnhancerMaintains skin in good condition and improves its feel
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Skin conditioning ingredients enhance appearance, texture, and health of skin through various mechanisms. This broad category encompasses emollients, humectants, occlusives, and other agents that improve skin feel, appearance, and function. May work by moisturizing, smoothing, softening, or protecting skin. Effects include improved tactile properties, enhanced barrier function, and better overall skin condition.
SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT
Skin SoftenerSoftens and smooths skin by filling gaps between cells
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Emollient ingredients create smooth, soft skin by filling spaces between corneocytes in stratum corneum. These include esters (isopropyl palmitate), oils (jojoba, argan), fatty alcohols, and silicones. The mechanism involves spreading on skin surface, filling microscopic irregularities, and creating lubricious film. Effects are immediate tactile improvement and visual smoothing. Emolliency measured by spreading coefficient and skin feel assessments.
Products
containing Caprylyl Glycol
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References
Scientific sources
Cosmeticsinfo.org, Accessed April 2024, ePublication
Scientific Reports, April 2021, Volume 11, Issue 1, article 8,695
International Journal of Cosmetic Science, October 2016, pages 496-503 and June 2009, pages 163-75
International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2012, pages 147-168
Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, March 2009, Volume 28, pages 23-24
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Caprylyl Glycol — common questions
What is Caprylyl Glycol in skincare?
Caprylyl Glycol is a 1,2-glycol compound. It’s a family of ingredients including Pentylene Glycol (with 5 carbons), 1,2-Hexanediol (with 6 carbons), and Caprylyl Glycol (with 8 carbons). All of these compounds contain hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the first and second carbon atoms in their chain.
What does Caprylyl Glycol do? / Functions of Caprylyl Glycol?
Common functions: DEODORANT, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT.
What is the comedogenic rating of Caprylyl Glycol? / Is Caprylyl Glycol comedogenic?
Caprylyl Glycol has a comedogenic rating of 1 out of 5. A rating of 1 means it is unlikely to clog pores.
Does it clog pores?
Caprylyl Glycol is unlikely to clog pores (rating 1/5).
Is Caprylyl Glycol safe for skin?
Caprylyl Glycol has a safety rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally considered safe for most skin types. Note: Caprylyl Glycol is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is classified as a low hazard ingredient by the Environmental Working Grou
Is Caprylyl Glycol good for sensitive skin?
Caprylyl Glycol has an irritancy rating of 2 out of 5. A rating of 2 means it is generally well-tolerated.
What are the side effects of Caprylyl Glycol in skincare?
Known considerations: Caprylyl Glycol is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and is classified as a low hazard ingredient by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). It may cause mild irritation or stinging in individuals with sensitive skin or when used at higher concentrations. While it is not typically comedogenic, it should be used with caution in formulations intended for acne-prone skin.