Glyceryl Caprylate
Glyceryl Caprylate is a fascinating ingredient that serves multiple purposes in skincare products. It's primarily used as a natural preservative and emulsifier, helping to keep your products safe from harmful bacteria while also ensuring they maintain a stable, pleasant texture [1]. What makes this ingredient particularly interesting is its ability to work effectively at very low concentrations (typically 0.5%) when combined with other preservation methods [2], meaning you're less likely to experience any sensitivity while still getting the benefits of a well-preserved product.
For those with balanced or oily skin (Types 3 and 4), Glyceryl Caprylate is generally very well tolerated and may even provide additional benefits through its antimicrobial properties, helping to maintain a healthy skin environment [3].
One of the most promising aspects of Glyceryl Caprylate is its role in natural preservation systems. Recent research shows it works synergistically with other natural preservation methods, allowing for effective product preservation without relying on traditional preservatives that some customers prefer to avoid [2]. This makes it particularly valuable for those seeking more natural skincare options, though it's important to note that 'natural' doesn't always mean less likely to cause sensitivity.
For those dealing with specific skin conditions, the research presents a mixed picture. While its antimicrobial properties might be beneficial for conditions like acne or seborrheic dermatitis [5], those with inflammatory conditions like rosacea or atopic dermatitis should be careful [4]. The good news is that at the low concentrations typically used in skincare products (0.5% or less), most people can use products containing Glyceryl Caprylate without any issues.
References
[1] Johnson W Jr. 'Final report of the amended safety assessment of Glyceryl Laurate, Glyceryl Laurate SE, Glyceryl Laurate/Oleate, Glyceryl Adipate, Glyceryl Alginate, Glyceryl Arachidate...' Int J Toxicol 2004;23(2):55-94.
[2] Nadarzynski A, et al. 'Skin Barrier Enhancing Alternative Preservation Strategy of O/W Emulsions by Water Activity Reduction with Natural Multifunctional Ingredients'. Cosmetics 2022;9(3):53. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics9030053
[3] Hyldgaard M, et al. 'Antimicrobial Mechanism of Monocaprylate'. Appl Environ Microbiol 2012;78(8):2957-65. https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.07336-11
[4] Herbert VG, et al. 'Glyceryl (mono)caprylate – a new contact allergen'. Contact Dermatitis 2013;69(6):375-385. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12135
[5] Sakamoto M, et al. 'Topical glyceryl monolaurate and lauric acid in atopic dermatitis: A single-center investigator-blinded, vehicle-controlled trial'. J Dermatolog Treat 2022;33(2):1087-1092. https://doi.org/10.1080/09546634.2020.1789040
