Caprylic Acid

Caprylic Acid at a Glance

• Medium-chain fatty acid
• Found in coconut and palm oils
• Texture enhancer and emollient
• Also used as a dietary supplement

Caprylic Acid Description

Caprylic acid is a medium-chain fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil, palm oil and human milk. It is also known as octanoic acid.

Caprylic acid has many commercial applications, including use as a dietary supplement. In cosmetics it is used as a texture enhancer and emollient. It is a common ingredient in lipsticks, foundations, moisturizing lotions and eye creams both because of its texture and its high resistance to oxidation, which lends stability.

The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has ruled caprylic acid safe in its current use in cosmetics, which is up to 4%. It has also been determined as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the United States Food and Drug Administration.

Caprylic Acid References