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PEG-6 CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-6 Caprylate/Caprate is a multi-functional ingredient recognized for its ability to stabilize formulations, provide non-greasy moisture, and facilitate gentle cleansing. It effectively acts as an emulsifier, emollient, and solubilizer, making it a versatile component in a wide range of skincare products.

Summary

Emulsifier Emollient Surfactant Solubilizer Refatting agent Wetting agent

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions as an emulsifier by significantly reducing the interfacial tension between immiscible liquids, thereby enabling stable mixtures of oil and water phases. As an emollient, its unique fatty acid blend helps replenish the skin's surface and reinforces the epidermal barrier, reducing moisture loss and delivering a lightweight, oil-free hydration. Furthermore, it serves as a solubilizer and wetting agent, adept at dissolving oil-soluble components in aqueous solutions and efficiently breaking down sebum for effective cleansing, particularly in micellar formulations. Its polyoxyethylene glycol (PEG) structure additionally contributes to skin hydration by forming hydrogen bonds with water, enhancing moisture retention.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrates efficacy as an emulsifier, emollient, refatting agent, solubilizer, and wetting agent within cosmetic formulations.
  2. 02 Formulations containing 4% PEG-6 caprylic/capric glycerides were found to be non-ocular irritants in rabbits, indicating a favorable safety profile at this concentration.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient maintains stability in electrolyte solutions and under low pH conditions. However, it is susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to high pH environments. It also demonstrates resistance to hard water.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that PEG-6 Caprylate/Caprate is safe for use in cosmetics under current practices and concentrations, provided formulations are non-irritating. While concentrated, the undiluted ingredient was observed to be a strong ocular irritant, aqueous solutions up to 5% and formulations containing 4% were not ocular irritants in rabbits. It complies with regulatory standards for impurities, containing ≤5 ppm dioxane and ≤1 ppm ethylene oxide, and meets limits for agricultural pesticides. It has been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the CIR Expert Panel.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-6 Caprylate/Caprate is a valuable, versatile ingredient for formulations, offering effective cleansing, non-greasy emolliency, and excellent solubilizing and emulsifying properties with a low risk of irritation across all skin types.

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