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Quick answer: Both score equally on our risk model. Caprylyl Glycol is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US; Ethylhexylglycerin is allowed in the EU and allowed in the US.
| Property | Caprylyl Glycol | Ethylhexylglycerin |
|---|---|---|
| EU status | Allowed | Allowed |
| US status | Allowed | Allowed |
| Risk level | low | low |
| Banned in | — | — |
| Restricted in | — | — |
| Category | preservative | preservative |
| Where it hides | First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator | Paula's Choice Calm Redness Relief Moisturizer, Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, EltaMD UV Physical Sunscreen |
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.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic multifunctional ingredient derived from glycerin and 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. It functions as both a skin-conditioning humectant and a preservative booster, inhibiting bacterial growth by interfering with microbial amino acid transport.
Caprylyl Glycol: 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.
Ethylhexylglycerin: Ethylhexylglycerin is considered safe at cosmetic use concentrations. It is not classified as a preservative in the EU, so it does not face Annex V concentration limits. Contact sensitization is rare. There are no documented carcinogenic, mutagenic, or endocrine effects. It is widely accepted in clean beauty and natural cosmetics.
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