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Answer: Caprylyl Glycol is not currently banned worldwide, but health agencies have flagged concerns. The FDA still allows it in US cosmetics and personal-care products. Risk level: low. Commonly found in: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator.
TL;DR: Caprylyl Glycol is allowed in the EU but allowed in the US (preservatives).
Reviewed for clarity & usefulness by the BannedPantry Parent Panel
INCI name CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. Also called 1,2-Octanediol. CAS 1117-86-8.
Other names: 1,2-Octanediol, Octane-1,2-diol
| EU status | Allowed |
|---|---|
| US status | Allowed |
| Risk level | low |
| Where it shows up | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator |
| CAS number | 1117-86-8 |
Caprylyl glycol (1,2-octanediol) is a multifunctional ingredient derived from caprylic acid (from coconut or palm kernel oil). It serves as a skin-conditioning agent, emollient, and preservative booster with direct antimicrobial activity.
Used alongside or as a replacement for traditional preservatives due to its antimicrobial properties. Also improves skin feel and acts as an emollient. Common in 'preservative-free' or reduced-preservative formulas.
Caprylyl glycol is considered safe at cosmetic use concentrations. No carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine-disrupting effects are documented. Mild skin sensitization is extremely rare. It is broadly compatible with sensitive skin and is accepted in many natural and clean beauty formulas.
For educational use only. This page summarizes the regulatory status of Caprylyl Glycolwith citations to the primary sources below. It is not medical advice. Regulatory status is not the same as a proven health effect — read the cited sources for their exact wording, and consult a doctor for decisions about your or your family's health.
Ethylhexylglycerin or pentylene glycol as alternative multifunctional preservative boosters.
Yes. It is well-tolerated and used in formulas for sensitive skin types. Its antimicrobial function helps keep preservative loads low.
It is derived from caprylic acid, which comes from coconut oil. It requires synthetic processing but can be considered nature-derived and is accepted in some certified natural products.
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