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Stearyl Caprylate

What Stearyl Caprylate is & what it does

Stearyl Caprylate is an ester formed from stearyl alcohol and caprylic acid, used in skincare and sunscreen formulas as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It gives products a smooth, soft slip and helps reduce a greasy feel while supporting the skin's surface. Like many fatty-acid esters it also helps improve the spreadability of a formula.

Is Stearyl Caprylate comedogenic?

Stearyl Caprylate is a fatty-acid ester used as an emollient, and esters like it vary in how likely they are to clog pores depending on the formula and the individual. Many people use it without congestion, but those who are very acne-prone may prefer to monitor how their skin responds. Patch testing the finished product is the most reliable way to judge.

What does Stearyl Caprylate do in skincare?

It works as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, giving products a smooth, soft slip and helping reduce a greasy feel. It also improves how easily a formula spreads over the skin. In a sunscreen it supports an even, comfortable application.

Is Stearyl Caprylate natural or synthetic?

Stearyl Caprylate is an ester made by combining stearyl alcohol with caprylic acid, both of which can be sourced from plant oils. It is best described as naturally derived but processed. As it typically contains no animal-sourced components, it is generally considered suitable for vegan formulas.

Sunscreens with Stearyl Caprylate

We rate 13 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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