CAPRYLYL GLYCOL

CAPRYLYL GLYCOL

EXCIPIENT ⎪ ABSORBENT AGENT

What is Caprylyl Glycol ?

Caprylyl glycol is a compound derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid naturally present in coconut oil and palm oil. It belongs to the family of glycols, diol alcohols with moisturizing and antimicrobial properties. Used in skincare and cosmetic products, caprylyl glycol acts as a moisturizer, emollient and preservative. Its ability to retain moisture and maintain the integrity of formulations makes it a popular ingredient in skin care, hair products and make-up. In addition to its moisturizing qualities, it helps reinforce the efficacy of other preservatives, helping to extend the life of cosmetic products.

Caprylyl glycol is an ingredient frequently used in cosmetics for its moisturizing, emollient and antimicrobial properties.

It is also a natural humectant, meaning it retains water. What’s more, it helps reduce unwanted body odor.

For these reasons, we’ve chosen to include it in our gentle deodorant cream.

Caprylyl glycol is an ingredient frequently used in cosmetics due to its moisturising, emollient and antimicrobial properties.

It is also a natural humectant, meaning it retains water. What’s more, it helps to reduce unwanted body odour.

For these reasons, we’ve chosen to include it in our gentle deodorant cream.

Where does Caprylyl Glycol come from ?

Caprylyl glycol is mainly derived from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in natural sources such as coconut and palm oil. Although it can be obtained naturally, the caprylyl glycol used in cosmetic products is often synthesized to guarantee purity and consistent quality. Its chemical structure provides effective hydration and stabilizes cosmetic formulations, making it a highly valued ingredient in skin and hair care products. It is also recognized for its gentle antimicrobial properties, which help preserve product quality without the need for more aggressive preservatives.

Properties and active ingredients

Caprylyl glycol has a number of beneficial properties for skin and cosmetic formulations. Here are its main characteristics and actions:

• Moisturizing agent : Caprylyl glycol acts as a humectant, which means it helps attract and retain moisture in the skin, providing long-lasting hydration.
• Emollient effect: As an emollient, it softens and smoothes the skin, improving texture and providing a silky feel.
• Antimicrobial properties: Caprylyl glycol has mild antimicrobial properties that help limit the growth of certain bacteria and yeasts in products, extending their shelf life.
• Preservative reinforcement: Thanks to its ability to reinforce the efficacy of other preservatives, caprylyl glycol helps maintain formulation stability while reducing the quantity of preservatives required.
• Texture and absorption: Caprylyl glycol is rapidly absorbed by the skin without leaving a greasy residue, making it suitable for light-textured, non-greasy products.

What are the benefits of cparylyl glycol ?

• Prolonged skin hydration: As a humectant, caprylyl glycol helps maintain skin hydration, leaving it soft, supple and nourished, even in dry climates or when skin is dehydrated.
• Improved skin texture and comfort: Its emollient effect softens skin and reduces feelings of tightness, making it ideal for dry or sensitive skin.
• Enhanced formulation stability: Thanks to its gentle antimicrobial properties, caprylyl glycol acts as a natural preservative, extending the life of products without the need for more aggressive synthetic preservatives.
• Improved skin tolerance: By reducing the amount of preservatives needed in products, caprylyl glycol improves skin tolerance to skincare products, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
• Compatibility with various skin types: Lightweight and non-comedogenic, caprylyl glycol is well tolerated by all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, without clogging pores.

Caprylyl glycol offers numerous benefits for skin care products and cosmetic formulations

How should Caprylyl Glycol be used ?

Caprylyl glycol is mainly used in cosmetics and skin and hair care products. Here are the main applications for this ingredient:

• Moisturizers and skin care products: In cosmetics, caprylyl glycol is found in moisturizers, lotions, serums and face masks, where it acts as a moisturizing and emollient agent. It helps keep skin soft and moisturized, particularly in products for dry, sensitive skin.
• Hair care products: Caprylyl glycol is also used in shampoos, conditioners and hair care products to moisturize the scalp, soften hair and improve the texture of formulations without weighing them down.
• Make-up products: In make-up, this ingredient helps maintain a pleasant, silky texture, ensuring better application and longer wear. It is commonly found in foundations, lipsticks and mascaras for its moisturizing and stabilizing qualities.
• Cleansing products : As a stabilizing agent, caprylyl glycol is sometimes incorporated into facial cleansers, make-up removers and micellar waters to ensure gentle tolerance and maintain formula stability.

Note : Caprylyl glycol is generally used in low concentrations in cosmetic products, often between 0.5% and 2%, to provide hydration and stability without undesirable effects. It is safe for everyday use, but it is advisable to check the composition of products if you have very sensitive skin.

Undesirable effects ?

Caprylyl glycol is generally well tolerated, but certain side effects may occur in particularly sensitive individuals:

• Mild skin irritation: Although rare, some people may experience mild skin irritation or tingling when using a product containing caprylyl glycol. A skin test is recommended before using on the whole face.
• Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to caprylyl glycol are very rare, but may manifest as redness or itching. People with highly reactive skin should check tolerance before use.
• Increased sensitivity: In the case of very sensitive skin, prolonged exposure or high concentrations of caprylyl glycol may cause discomfort. Avoid using several products containing this ingredient at the same time.
• Comedogenic effect in case of abuse: Although non-comedogenic at low concentrations, excessive application of products containing caprylyl glycol may clog pores in some people. Use in moderation is recommended.

Sources

The benefits of caprylyl glycol are well documented in cosmetics and dermatology research. This ingredient is recognized for its moisturizing and antimicrobial properties, and is commonly used in skin care products to improve the texture and stability of formulations. Regulatory bodies such as the FDA and the EU validate its use in cosmetics because of its safety and versatility. Numerous studies also confirm its role in reducing the use of potentially irritating preservatives in cosmetic products.