What it is
Dicaprylyl carbonate is a clear, colorless oil that is the carbonic-acid diester of caprylic (C8) alcohol. As a cosmetic emollient and skin-conditioning agent it spreads easily and leaves a velvety, dry skin feel rather than a greasy one. It is especially common in sun care, where it helps dissolve oil-soluble UV filters and makes the finished product feel lighter and more spreadable. It is often used alongside or in place of other dry-feel emollients to refine the texture of sunscreens and sticks.
Safety & warnings
Dicaprylyl carbonate is recognized in cosmetic regulation and is widely used as a light, dry-feel emollient and filter solvent in everyday sun care and skincare. It is generally chosen for sensory elegance rather than activity, and like other ester emollients is suitable for routine use, with patch testing advisable only for those with very reactive skin.
Origin & sourcing
It is a synthetic ester derived from caprylic alcohol and carbonic acid, combined to form the dicaprylyl carbonate diester. The caprylic alcohol feedstock is typically of fatty-alcohol origin.
Questions everyone asks
Why is dicaprylyl carbonate in sunscreen?
It helps dissolve oil-soluble UV filters and gives the product a lighter, more spreadable, velvety-dry feel.
Does it leave a greasy film?
No. It is valued for spreading easily and leaving a dry, velvety finish rather than a greasy residue.
Is it natural?
It is a synthetic ester made from caprylic alcohol and carbonic acid.