Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, 100 g

Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate is a co-emulsifier and emollient of plant origin that also supports the preservation system of the product. In the formulation it serves multiple roles at once: it helps the primary emulsifier hold the emulsion together, softens the skin, and with its antimicrobial activity contributes to protecting the product against microorganisms. It is therefore suitable for creams, lotions, deodorants and preparations for sensitive and children's skin, where every ingredient that lightens the preservation system is valued.

The raw material holds RSPO MB certification (mass balance of sustainable palm oil), contains no PEG, silicones or parabens, and is readily biodegradable.

Key benefits

• Co-emulsifier – with an HLB value of 5 – 6 it belongs among lipophilic co-emulsifiers. It is added alongside the primary emulsifier, where it helps stabilise the emulsion and contributes to its consistency.
• Emollient – in the oil phase it softens and smooths the skin, complementing the plant oils and butters in the formulation.
• Preservation system support – the antimicrobial activity complements the preservative used, so the entire system operates under a reduced load. It does not replace preservation; efficacy must be verified in the finished product.
• Deodorising – effective in deodorants and antiperspirants, where it helps reduce the formation of unpleasant odour.
• Broad compatibility – compatible with anionic, non-ionic, amphoteric and cationic surfactants, with alcohol, electrolytes and fragrance.

Use in formulation

The raw material belongs to the oil phase. It is processed at temperatures up to 80 °C. In emulsions it melts together with the oils, butters and primary emulsifier, then the phases are combined in the usual way. In anhydrous products such as lip balms, body oils or stick deodorants it is added directly to the melt. It dissolves in oils and alcohol; in water it only disperses. Its solubility in alcohol allows use in alcohol-based deodorants and sprays. In purely aqueous formulations without an oil phase, suitability should be verified on a test sample.

The recommended use level is 0.5 – 3 % depending on the role the raw material is intended to fulfil in the formulation. Stability in a specific formulation should be verified.

In surfactant preparations such as shower gels, bath products or shampoos, the compatibility with all surfactant types and with electrolytes can be utilised. Check the effect on the appearance, foam and viscosity of a specific formulation, especially at higher use levels.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial and body care – creams, lotions and emulsions for face and body, where it acts as a co-emulsifier and emollient while also supporting preservation.
• Baby cosmetics and preparations for sensitive skin – where the preservation system needs to operate under a reduced load.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants – alcohol sprays, roll-on emulsions and anhydrous sticks.
• Lip care and decorative cosmetics – balms, sticks and anhydrous products, where it is added to the oil phase.
• Shower and bath preparations and soaps – as an emollient and complement to the preservation system in surfactant formulations.
• Hair and scalp preparations – the raw material is also designated for this area of application; compatibility with a specific surfactant base is verified in the formulation.

What's good to know

The raw material is suitable for rinse-off and leave-on products and for preparations for all skin types including sensitive and children's skin. It contains no fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of the Cosmetic Products Regulation or known skin allergens. The origin is plant-based; no ethylene oxide, GMOs or materials of animal origin are used in production.

The preservation system is always designed as a whole. Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate can reduce the demands on the primary preservative, but the resulting protection depends on the entire formulation, which is why a preservative efficacy test is part of the development process.

Frequently asked questions