The Application of Caprylyl Glycol in Cosmetics

Is there an ingredient that can maintain product safety standards while also achieving both efficacy and a pleasant skin feel?

A versatile ingredient underestimated by the industry—caprylyl glycol.

Caprylyl Glycol: More Than Just a Preservative, It's a Formulator's "Balance Master"

On ingredient lists, caprylyl glycol (CG) often appears under the scientific name "1,2-octanediol." This seemingly ordinary small molecule structure hides three core values:

Gentle Preservative: Redefining "Safety Boundaries"

Traditional preservatives such as parabens and methylisothiazolinone (MIT), while highly effective, can easily cause burning and itching on sensitive skin. Caprylyl glycol inhibits microbial growth by reducing water activity (Aw value), and its hydroxyl groups disrupt bacterial cell membranes, achieving a dual "physical + chemical" antibacterial effect. Clinical data shows that a 0.5% addition can achieve a 99.8% inhibition rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and SGS testing shows no skin irritation, making it safe even for use in infant and toddler care products.

Enhanced Moisturizing: Achieving Both Skin Feel and Efficacy

Unlike the stickiness of glycerin, caprylyl glycol's low molecular weight (146.23) allows it to quickly penetrate the stratum corneum, forming a "hydrating protective film" on the skin's surface. Comparative experiments have shown that serums with 1% caprylyl glycol exhibit a 23% reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and enhance the penetration efficiency of subsequent active ingredients (such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid), making it a true "penetration-enhancing golden duo."

Optimized Skin Feel: Solving the "Preservative-Skin Feel" Dilemma

Many formulators struggle with the stickiness and pilling issues caused by preservatives. Caprylyl glycol's low melting point (36-38℃) allows it to act as a "natural viscosity modifier" in cream systems, improving product spreadability. I once used it to replace a traditional thickener in a repair cream, resulting in a lighter texture and unexpectedly solving the problem of coarse emulsion particles—a hidden advantage of small-molecule alcohols.