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Caprylyl Methicone

What Caprylyl Methicone is & what it does

A light silicone-ester hybrid emollient that gives a dry, silky glide and helps disperse UV filters evenly. It reduces white cast and greasiness in mineral formulas.

What is Caprylyl Methicone and what does it do in sunscreen?

Caprylyl Methicone is a light silicone-ester hybrid emollient that gives a dry, silky glide. In sunscreen it helps disperse UV filters evenly and reduces white cast and greasiness, which is especially useful in mineral formulas. It conditions the surface and improves spreadability without a heavy feel.

Is Caprylyl Methicone safe?

Yes. It is a cosmetic-grade silicone emollient considered safe and well tolerated for use on skin. Silicones like this sit on the surface, are non-reactive, and rarely cause irritation. It is a common choice in modern sunscreens precisely because it is gentle and lightweight.

Does Caprylyl Methicone clog pores?

Generally no. Caprylyl Methicone is a light, volatile-feeling silicone that is generally regarded as low risk for clogging pores. It spreads thinly and does not behave like a heavy oil or wax. Most people, including those prone to breakouts, tolerate silicone emollients of this kind well.

What else is Caprylyl Methicone called?

Caprylyl Methicone is the INCI name printed on the label, so it usually appears under that exact name. It is a type of alkyl silicone, sometimes described informally as a caprylyl-modified dimethicone. It typically sits in the middle of an ingredient list among the other emollients and silicones.

Is Caprylyl Methicone a UV filter?

No. Caprylyl Methicone is an emollient, not a UV filter, and it does not provide any SPF on its own. Its job is texture: smoothing the feel and helping the actual filters spread into an even layer. The sun protection comes from the UV filters listed elsewhere in the formula.

Sunscreens with Caprylyl Methicone

We rate 901 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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