Coco-Caprylate
Plant-derived emollient from coconut fatty alcohols and caprylic acid. Delivers a dry silky slip, replaces silicones and cyclomethicone in clean formulas.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Oily, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Coco-Caprylate is a plant-derived ester: cetearyl/cocoa alcohol + caprylic acid (C8). A light, non-occlusive emollient with a dry, silky skin feel. An alternative to silicones (cyclomethicone, dimethicone) and squalane in clean and eco cosmetics. Where applied. Light creams and serums, fluids, makeup primers, BB creams, body products with a dry effect, hair shine products. Concentration 1-30%. In Spain – Mádara, Freshly Cosmetics, Mantra Naturals, RYE Madrid. Mechanism. Spreads in a thin film, gives a "velvet" feel without oily residue. Helps disperse pigments in decorative cosmetics. Non-comedogenic. Evidence base. Functional emollient. No direct clinical efficacy – sensory and formulation role. Marketed as a "natural alternative to silicones" – sensory close to cyclomethicone but biodegradable. Safety. CIR confirmed safety up to 50%. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic (Fulton score 0-1). Allergic reactions extremely rare. Does not photosensitize. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area, including breast and nipples during breastfeeding. Suitable for. Universal. Especially good in oily-combination skin formulas (light texture) and in silicone-free "clean" formulas.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coco-Caprylate safe during pregnancy?
Coco-Caprylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Coco-Caprylate for?
Coco-Caprylate suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Coco-Caprylate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Plant-derived emollient from coconut fatty alcohols and caprylic acid.
What's the INCI name for Coco-Caprylate?
The INCI name is Coco-Caprylate. It may also appear as: Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coco-Caprate.
See Coco-Caprylate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Acid, Coconut Alkanes, Cocoyl Proline, Lauryl Betaine, Polyepsilon-Lysine, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Aminomethyl Propanediol
Published: · updated: