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Caprylyl Glycol

What Caprylyl Glycol is & what it does

A humectant and emollient that softens skin and, paired with phenoxyethanol, strengthens preservation. It gives a smooth, conditioned feel and is widely used in modern, low-irritation formulas.

What does Caprylyl Glycol do?

Caprylyl glycol is a dual-purpose ingredient: a humectant that softens and conditions skin, and a booster that strengthens the preservative system so the formula needs less of harsher preservatives.

Is Caprylyl Glycol safe?

Yes. It is well tolerated, non-sensitising for most people, and a popular choice in gentle and "clean" formulas.

Does Caprylyl Glycol clog pores?

No. It is a lightweight, non-comedogenic glycol that conditions skin without blocking pores.

Is Caprylyl Glycol natural?

It is usually nature-derived: it is made from caprylic acid, a fatty acid found in coconut and palm. It is processed into the glycol rather than extracted directly, so it is best described as plant-derived rather than strictly natural.

Is Caprylyl Glycol safe to use during pregnancy?

Caprylyl glycol has no known pregnancy concern. It is a gentle humectant and preservative booster used in small amounts.

Sunscreens with Caprylyl Glycol

We rate 2846 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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