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Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate

What Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate is & what it does

A light, coconut-derived emollient with a dry, silky finish, used as a gentle silicone alternative. It softens skin and improves spread.

What does Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate do in skincare?

Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate is a lightweight emollient ester used to soften and condition the skin. It gives formulas a silky, dry-touch finish and is often used as a natural-feeling alternative to silicones. In sunscreens and lotions it can also improve spreadability and the overall skin feel.

Is Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate natural or synthetic?

Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate is usually made from plant-derived raw materials, such as coconut or other vegetable-sourced fatty acids and alcohols. The finished ester itself is produced through a processing step, so it is best described as a naturally derived but processed ingredient. The exact sourcing can vary by manufacturer.

Does Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate clog pores?

Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate is generally regarded as a light emollient with a low likelihood of clogging pores for most people, though individual responses vary. Comedogenicity depends heavily on the full formula and your own skin. If you are very acne-prone, patch testing a new product is a sensible step.

Sunscreens with Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate

We rate 19 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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