What it is
This ingredient is a blend of glycerin esterified with caprylic and capric medium-chain fatty acids. It provides a light, non-heavy emollient feel and helps disperse and stabilize oil and water phases in emulsions. It is often selected for fluid, fast-absorbing products.
Safety & warnings
Glyceryl esters of caprylic and capric acids are generally well tolerated on skin at usual cosmetic levels. Being lipid-derived, they may contribute to a richer feel in heavy formulas, but they are commonly used at modest concentrations as emulsifiers and emollients. It is not a known fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
It is made synthetically by esterifying glycerin with a mixture of caprylic and capric acids, which are typically derived from plant oils such as coconut or palm.
Questions everyone asks
Why use a caprylate/caprate blend instead of a single ester?
Combining the two chain lengths gives a balance of spreadability and a light skin feel, which can be harder to achieve with a single fatty-acid ester.
Does it leave a greasy residue?
It is a medium-chain ester chosen for a light, fast-absorbing feel, so at typical use levels it is not intended to leave a heavy or greasy residue.