Caprylyl glycol in skincare
A multifunctional ingredient with humectant properties.
What is Caprylyl glycol?
A multifunctional ingredient with humectant properties. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Caprylyl Glycol. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does Caprylyl glycol do for skin and the product?
Binds moisture and can support the formulation's microbial protection.
Humectants work with water in the skin's stratum corneum. They are often combined with lipids that make the surface supple and limit moisture loss. These are different tasks within the same moisturising care.
Water-free does not automatically mean a product can never become contaminated.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about Caprylyl glycol
What does Caprylyl glycol do in skincare?
Binds moisture and can support the formulation's microbial protection.
What should I know about Caprylyl glycol?
Water-free does not automatically mean a product can never become contaminated.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations