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Caprylyl Glycol

Well toleratedHumectanthumectantemollientpreservative booster

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: 1,2-Octanediol · Octane-1,2-diol

What it is

Caprylyl glycol is a fatty alcohol-derived diol with both moisturising and antimicrobial properties. Its longer carbon chain gives it more antimicrobial punch than shorter glycols, so it is often the antimicrobial backbone of preservative systems marketed as paraben-free. It is not classed as a preservative under EU law because its declared function is skin conditioning.

What it does well

  • Adds antimicrobial protection while softening skin

    It is routinely blended with phenoxyethanol or 1,2-hexanediol, letting the finished formula use lower levels of any single preservative.

    Moderate evidence

Worth knowing

  • Occasional irritation on very sensitive skin

    Reactions are uncommon and usually mild transient stinging rather than allergy.

    Matters most toPeople with highly reactive skin.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not listed in Annex V and not otherwise restricted in EU cosmetics.

Masks that contain Caprylyl Glycol