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.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional co-emulsifier and preservation booster. Safety confirmed by CIR. No standalone cosmetic effects on skin – the antimicrobial action only works inside the formula.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora 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.
Glyceryl Caprylate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Glyceryl Caprylate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Monoester of glycerin and caprylic acid.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Glyceryl Caprylate. It may also appear as: Glyceryl Monocaprylate, Глицерил каприлат.
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