Ingredient glossary / Preservative
Caprylyl glycol
On the label: Caprylyl Glycol · Preservative
What it is
A glycol with mild antimicrobial action that boosts preservatives and acts as a humectant.
Preservatives: Preservatives stop bacteria and mould growing in a product that contains water; every water-based product needs one.
Wikidata: Chemical compound. Q27115777 →
In the research
14 PubMed papers mention it with skin, cosmetics or hair; the three most recent:
- Contact Allergy and Allergic Contact Dermatitis From Propylene Glycol and Related Glycols: Cosmetic Skin Sensitisers After All? · Contact dermatitis, 2026
- Caprylyl Glycol, a Trending and Highly Relevant Sensitiser in Cosmetics That Needs to be Patch Tested Separately · Contact dermatitis, 2025
- Deciphering trends in replacing preservatives in cosmetics intended for infants and sensitive population · Scientific reports, 2024
A paper is a paper, not a verdict: titles are listed so you can read them, and a study on cells or mice says little about a cream on a face.
Products whose label lists it
10 on the siteMatched from the ingredient list the supplier printed; the position in the list (first or thirtieth) is on each product page.
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USA
Made in the USAOther preservatives
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