Propylene Glycol Caprylate
AKA “2-hydroxypropyl octanoate, Propylene glycol 1-caprylate, Octanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropyl ester, UNII-TL885HYH94, 2-PROPANEDIOL 1-OCTANOATE, RefChem:202752, DTXCID8015794
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Propylene glycol caprylate
AKA: 2-hydroxypropyl octanoate, Propylene glycol 1-caprylate, Octanoic acid, 2-hydroxypropyl ester, UNII-TL885HYH94, 2-PROPANEDIOL 1-OCTANOATE, RefChem:202752, DTXCID8015794
Synthetic · Cleansing · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A gentle cleanser that removes oil and impurities while conditioning skin to keep it soft and smooth.
Effective at 1.0%
Formula
C11H22O3
Mol. Weight
202.29
CAS #
31565-12-5, 68332-79-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic ester in the late 20th century. Used in contemporary cosmetics as a light emollient and solvent, valued for its ability to improve skin feel without leaving a greasy residue.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
9.9e-05%
2.0%
0%14%
Effective Range
CIR reported use: 0.000099-2
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR