What it is
Coco-caprylate is an emollient ester formed from alcohols derived from coconut oil and caprylic acid. It imparts a light, non-greasy, fast-spreading feel and is frequently chosen as a plant-derived alternative to volatile silicones in lotions, creams, and sunscreens. In sun care it can also help disperse and improve the cosmetic feel of UV filters and pigments.
Safety & warnings
Coco-caprylate is generally well tolerated and widely regarded as low-irritation. It is a light ester rather than a heavy occlusive oil, so it is considered relatively low on the comedogenicity scale, though individual responses to any emollient can vary.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from natural feedstocks: the fatty alcohol portion comes from coconut oil and the acid portion is caprylic acid, combined through esterification.
Questions everyone asks
Is coco-caprylate a silicone?
No. It is a plant-derived ester used to mimic the light, smooth slip of certain silicones without being a silicone itself.
What does coco-caprylate do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a lightweight emollient that improves spreadability and skin feel and can help carry UV filters and pigments evenly across the skin.