Glyceryl Caprylate
Monoester of glycerin and caprylic acid. A co-emulsifier and preservative booster that inhibits the growth of gram-positive bacteria and yeasts. Use levels 0.3-1.5%. Low allergenicity and pregnancy-safe.
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, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Glyceryl Caprylate is the monoglyceride of caprylic acid, produced by esterifying glycerin with C8 fatty acid from coconut or palm kernel sources. INCI: Glyceryl Caprylate. Alternative names are Glyceryl Monocaprylate and Glyceryl Caprate (in C10 blends). In formulas it has two functions. The first is mild co-emulsifier and emollient: at 1-3% it improves cream slip and gives a silky after-feel. The second is multifunctional preservation booster: it inhibits gram-positive bacteria, yeasts, and molds by disrupting their membranes. At 0.5-1.5% it works as part of a preservation system and allows the dose of classic preservatives (phenoxyethanol, parabens) to be lowered or removed in ultra-clean formulations. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption is minimal – the molecule is rapidly hydrolyzed by skin enzymes into glycerin and caprylic acid, both of which feed normal metabolism. No teratogenic effects. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for sensitive skin, including dermatitis. Unlike parabens and phenoxyethanol, it is not on the EU 1223/2009 restricted-substance list. No standalone cosmetic effects beyond emolliency. Claims of probiotic or microbiome-balancing action on the skin are marketing – the component does not balance the microbiome. The antimicrobial action shows only inside the jar, protecting the formula from microbial contamination.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Caprylate safe during pregnancy?
Glyceryl Caprylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Glyceryl Caprylate for?
Glyceryl Caprylate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Glyceryl Caprylate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Monoester of glycerin and caprylic acid.
Is Glyceryl Caprylate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Glyceryl Caprylate?
The INCI name is Glyceryl Caprylate. It may also appear as: Glyceryl Monocaprylate.
See Glyceryl Caprylate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Glyceryl Cocoate, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Oleate Citrate, Pectin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Terpinolene, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer
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