Caprylyl Glycol

Caprylyl glycol is a very versatile active ingredient for skincare and, broadly speaking, cosmetics. It is basically known to give the skin a soft and silky feel; it makes the formulation smooth and lightweight, adding an excellent sensory feel. Besides such benefits from a sensory point of view, caprylyl glycol also plays an important role as an active booster of preservatives. It works by giving other preservatives their boost-for instance, phenoxyethanol-which will thereby be able to provide greater efficiency in preventing the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in cosmetic formulations.
One popular combination is the mixing of caprylyl glycol with phenoxyethanol commercially known as Optiphen. It is one of the more common preservative systems presently available within the cosmetic field. This mixture offers a broad-spectrum preservation action with no reported adverse impact on the safety and stability of cosmetics with time. Caprylyl glycol possesses some mild hydrating properties due to its humectant nature, attracting moisture toward the skin and, therefore, enhancing hydration and the softening action of the product. It is also considered to be a non-irritating ingredient, which makes it compatible with most skin types. Due to its multifunctionality - both as a texture enhancer and preservation aid - it is one of the most common choices in formulations aiming at well-rounded, stable, and pleasant user experiences.