Propylene Glycol Dicaprate Is a chemical compound, an ester of propylene glycol and capric acid.

The name defines the structure of the molecule

• "Propylene Glycol" is an organic compound used as a solvent and humectant in various products. It's a di-alcohol with the formula C₃H₈O₂.
• "Dicaprate" refers to the ester formed from the combination of propylene glycol and capric acid (a 10-carbon fatty acid). "Di" indicates that there are two molecules of capric acid involved.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Capric acid (decanoic acid) - A medium-chain saturated fatty acid.
• Propylene glycol - A dihydric alcohol used as a solvent and humectant in various products.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Heating - The raw materials are heated in a reactor to a controlled temperature.
• Esterification Reaction - Capric acid and propylene glycol are made to react together in the presence of an acid catalyst, such as sulfuric acid.
• Neutralization - If present, the acid catalyst is neutralized using a base like sodium hydroxide.
• Separation - Any impurities or non-reactive components are separated from the product.
• Refining - The mixture is further purified through distillation or other methods to obtain high purity Propylene Glycol Dicaprate.
• Quality Control - A quality check is done on the Propylene Glycol Dicaprate to ensure it meets the desired specifications.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

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.

Safety

The CIR Expert Panel concluded that Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is safe in the current use and concentration practices described in the Cosmetics Safety Assessment (1).

Commercial applications

Cosmetics. Used as an emollient and conditioning agent in skincare products.

Hair Products. Added as a conditioning agent in shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments.

Makeup. May be present in makeup formulations to enhance texture and spreadability.

Sunscreen Products. Used in sun lotions to enhance consistency and application.

Pharmaceuticals. Occasionally employed in pharmaceutical preparations as a carrier or as an emollient agent.

• Molecular Formula  C₂₃H₄₄O₄
• Molecular Weight  384.6 g/mol
• CAS  56519-72-3   53824-77-4
• UNII    5Q3540E9B5
• EC Number  258-814-9
• DTXSID301018732

Synonyms:

• Propanediol dicaprate
• 1,3-Propanediol dicaprate
• Decanoic acid, trimethylene ester
• Decanoic acid, 1,3-propanediyl ester

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Esters, P. G. (2014). Safety Assessment of Propylene Glycol Esters as Used in Cosmetics.