Octanediol
1,8-octanediol – mild preservative booster, relative of caprylyl glycol. Supports the preservative system, hydrating.
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
1,8-Octanediol is a synthetic aliphatic diol with 8 carbon atoms (the INCI name Caprylyl Glycol is usually for 1,2-octanediol). In cosmetics used as a multifunctional component – humectant, preservative booster, antimicrobial agent. Mechanism. Humectant – retains water in the stratum corneum. Suppresses bacterial and fungal growth by disrupting microbial membranes. Enhances the action of primary preservatives (phenoxyethanol, sodium benzoate), allowing concentration reduction. Where applied. Creams, serums, toners. Concentration 0.2–1%. Often in multifunctional preservation systems – Optiphen Plus, EuxylTM K 700. Evidence base. CIR confirmed safety. Safety. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic. Pregnancy and lactation – topically safe.
Frequently asked questions
Is Octanediol safe during pregnancy?
Octanediol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Octanediol for?
Octanediol suits: normal, dry, oily, combination, sensitive.
What is Octanediol and what does it do in cosmetics?
1,8-octanediol – mild preservative booster, relative of caprylyl glycol.
What's the INCI name for Octanediol?
The INCI name is Octanediol. It may also appear as: 1,8-Octanediol.
See Octanediol 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
Octyldodecanol, Octyldodeceth-16, Octyldodecyl Xyloside, Olea Europaea Seed Powder, Polysilicone-11, Steareth-21, C30-45 Alkyl Cetearyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Erythrulose
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