Caprylic Acid

Caprylic Acid

AKA “octanoic acid, 124-07-2, n-octanoic acid, n-caprylic acid, Octylic acid, octoic acid, n-octylic acid, 1-heptanecarboxylic acid, n-Octoic acid”

Acid

Ingredient Facts

Caprylic acid

AKA: Octanoic acid, 124-07-2, N-octanoic acid, N-caprylic acid, Octylic acid, Octoic acid, N-octylic acid, 1-heptanecarboxylic acid, N-Octoic acid

Acid · Cleansing · EWG: 1

Synthetic

Cleanser

Fragrance

Emulsifier

Plant Oil

Acid

Clean

Caprylic acid is the common name for the eight-carbon straight chain fatty acid known by the systematic name octanoic acid. It is found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. It is an oily liquid with a slightly unpleasant rancid taste that is minimally soluble in water. Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of esters used in perfumery and also in the manufacture of dyes.

Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C8H16O2

Mol. Weight

144.21

CAS #

124-07-2

Form

Liquid

State

Octanoic acid appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a mild odor. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite. Corrosive to metals and tissue.

See origin →

Functions

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Perfuming

Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.

Cleansing

Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.

Emulsifying

Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.

Surfactant Cleansing

Antimicrobial

Fights Acne

Traditional Use

A medium-chain saturated fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and goat's milk, with traditional use in soap and candle-making. Isolated and used in modern cosmetics for its antimicrobial and skin-conditioning properties.