What it is
Caprooyl Phytosphingosine is a ceramide-like ingredient created by attaching a caproic (hexanoic) acid chain to phytosphingosine, a sphingoid base naturally present in skin. It is used to condition the skin and is often combined with ceramides and cholesterol in barrier-support blends. It typically appears at low concentrations within a formula's conditioning system.
Safety & warnings
Considered well tolerated and skin-friendly, as it resembles lipids native to the skin. It is used at low levels and is not associated with significant irritation or sensitization, and it is not a fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic or biotechnologically derived; phytosphingosine is commonly produced by yeast fermentation and then acylated with caproic acid.
Questions everyone asks
Is this a ceramide?
It is a ceramide-related lipid built on phytosphingosine, the same sphingoid base found in skin ceramides, and is often used alongside ceramides in barrier blends.
What is its main purpose?
It conditions skin and supports the skin barrier, typically as part of a lipid blend rather than a standalone star ingredient.