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Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

What Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is & what it does

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is an ester formed from propylene glycol and capric acid, a fatty acid often derived from coconut or palm. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it functions as an emollient and solvent, giving products a light, smooth, non-greasy slip and helping to dissolve other ingredients such as UV filters. Its lightweight texture makes it a common choice in fluid lotions and facial sunscreens.

Is Propylene Glycol Dicaprate comedogenic?

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate is a lightweight emollient ester often chosen for its light, non-greasy feel. Comedogenicity can vary from person to person and depends on the full formula and how your skin reacts. If you are prone to clogged pores, patch testing a new product is a sensible step.

What does Propylene Glycol Dicaprate do in skincare?

It functions as an emollient and solvent. It gives products a smooth, light slip and helps dissolve other ingredients, including some UV filters in sunscreens. Its lightweight texture makes it popular in fluid lotions and facial sunscreens.

Is Propylene Glycol Dicaprate natural or synthetic?

It is a synthetic ester, made by combining propylene glycol with capric acid. The capric acid is often sourced from coconut or palm oil, so part of the raw material can be plant-derived. The final ingredient itself is produced through chemical processing.

Sunscreens with Propylene Glycol Dicaprate

We rate 30 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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