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Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

What Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is & what it does

A plant-derived emollient blend that gives a smooth, dry-touch finish similar to light silicones. It conditions skin and helps a formula glide on evenly.

What is Coco-Caprylate/Caprate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is a plant-derived emollient that gives a smooth, dry-touch finish similar to lightweight silicones. It conditions the skin and helps a formula spread and glide on evenly without feeling heavy or oily. It is often used to make a sunscreen feel lighter and more elegant on application.

Is Coco-Caprylate/Caprate safe?

Yes. It is a well-tolerated, skin-conditioning emollient that works on the surface to soften and smooth. Being derived from coconut-based fatty acids, it is a mild material suitable for most skin types. For the large majority of people it is gentle and non-irritating.

Does Coco-Caprylate/Caprate clog pores?

Generally no. It is a lightweight, dry-touch emollient rather than a heavy oil or butter, so it is not one of the typical pore-clogging ingredients. It is often chosen specifically to give slip and a light finish, which makes it a sensible option for skin that dislikes greasy textures.

Is Coco-Caprylate/Caprate a silicone?

No. It is a plant-derived emollient that mimics the light, dry-touch slip of silicones, but it is not a silicone itself. Formulators often use it as a natural-origin alternative when they want that silky feel without using silicone. The finish is similar, but the ingredient is different.

Is Coco-Caprylate/Caprate natural?

It is plant-derived, made from coconut-sourced fatty acids and alcohols, so it is often used in natural-leaning formulas. It is processed to create the finished emollient, but its building blocks come from plant sources rather than petroleum. That natural origin is part of why it is a popular silicone alternative.

Sunscreens with Coco-Caprylate/Caprate

We rate 688 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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