Glyceryl Caprylate is an ester derived from glycerin and caprylic acid, a medium-chain fatty acid. This ingredient is widely recognized for its multifunctional properties, serving as an emollient, emulsifier, and deodorant in cosmetic formulations. Glyceryl Caprylate helps to improve the texture and stability of products while providing moisturizing benefits. It is effective in preventing moisture loss and enhancing the overall skin feel, making it a valuable addition to various personal care products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Glyceryl Caprylate consists of:

• Glycerin: A humectant that attracts moisture and helps maintain skin hydration.
• Caprylic Acid: A fatty acid known for its emollient properties and ability to improve skin texture.
• Ester Linkage: The combination of glycerin and caprylic acid through an ester bond contributes to its functional properties.

This unique composition allows Glyceryl Caprylate to provide both moisturizing and stabilizing effects in formulations.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Typically a clear to pale yellow liquid or viscous substance.

• Solubility: Soluble in oils and fats; limited solubility in water.

• pH: Generally neutral, making it compatible with a wide range of cosmetic formulations.

• Odor: Mild, often with a slight fatty scent.

• Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions; should be protected from excessive heat and moisture.

Production Process

1. Synthesis: Glyceryl Caprylate is produced through the esterification of glycerin and caprylic acid, typically using heat and catalysts to facilitate the reaction.

2. Purification: The resulting product is purified to remove any unreacted materials and by-products, ensuring a high-quality ingredient.

3. Formulation: Purified Glyceryl Caprylate is then incorporated into various cosmetic products to enhance their emollient and emulsifying properties.

Applications

• Medical: Occasionally used in topical formulations for its soothing properties and ability to prevent skin irritation.

• Cosmetics: Commonly found in lotions, creams, hair conditioners, and deodorants for its moisturizing, emulsifying, and stabilizing benefits. It enhances the texture and sensory experience of products.

INCI Functions:

Deodorant agent. When substances that give off an unpleasant odour are included in cosmetic formulations (typical examples are methyl mercaptan and hydrogen sulphide derived from garlic), deodorants attenuate or eliminate the unpleasant exhalation.  It helps counteract the formation of bad odours on body surfaces.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

• Industrial Uses: May be employed in formulations requiring effective emulsification and stabilization properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Glyceryl Caprylate is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics when applied according to recommended guidelines. It is well-tolerated by most skin types, including sensitive skin. Responsible sourcing and formulation practices are essential to ensure that the ingredient is free from harmful contaminants and produced sustainably.

Is Glyceryl caprylate safe? 

Molecular Formula   C₁₁H₂₂O₄

Molecular Weight    218.293

CAS   26402-26-6

EINECS 247-668-1

• 2,3-Dihydroxypropyl octanoate
• glyceryl-1-monooctanoate
• glycerol-1-monooctanoate
• glyceryl monocaprylate
• mono-octanoin
• monocaprylin
• monoctanoin