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PEG-8 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES.

Valuable / SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a versatile non-ionic surfactant and solubilizer, expertly derived from caprylic/capric triglycerides and polyethylene glycol. This hydrophilic ingredient effectively dissolves other compounds and stabilizes emulsions, while also enhancing skin hydration and texture. It is particularly noted for its potential to improve dermal penetration of active ingredients.

Summary

Emulsifying Solubilizer Skin-conditioning agent Emollient Humectant Consistency enhancer Binding agent Softening agent Fixative Dermal penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Operating as a non-ionic surfactant, PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides features a hydrophilic structure, enabling it to efficiently solubilize diverse ingredients and stabilize oil-in-water emulsions, thereby refining product texture. Beyond its formulatory benefits, it acts as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient, supporting skin hydration and a smooth feel. Furthermore, it functions as a potential dermal penetration enhancer, capable of fluidizing the stratum corneum to boost permeability.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 A formulation containing 40% PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, alongside other excipients, significantly improved the skin delivery of kahalalide F, a lipophilic cyclic molecule with a large molecular weight.
  2. 02 At a surfactant concentration of 56.14% (w/w), PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides (Labrasol) demonstrated high efficiency in forming stable, single-phase microemulsions when combined with lower molecular volume fatty acid esters like isopropyl myristate.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient demonstrates robust stability across a broad pH spectrum, ensuring its versatility and integrity within diverse cosmetic formulations.

Synergies

  • Effective in forming microemulsions when combined with lower molecular volume fatty acid esters, such as isopropyl myristate.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents and prolonged heat may compromise stability.
  • The presence of Transcutol (diethyleneglycol monoethyl ether) was observed to reduce its solubilization capacity for oil and water phases.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe with restrictions
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that PEGylated alkyl glycerides, including PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, are safe for use when formulated to be non-irritating. Rabbit ocular irritation studies indicated that formulations containing up to 3% were not ocular irritants, whereas 5% showed slight irritation. No specific SCCS opinion was identified. The ingredient holds 'Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)' status by the FDA in certain food additive applications, such as household cleaners.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

PEG-8 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides is a valuable multi-functional ingredient, prized for its ability to solubilize, emulsify, condition skin, and enhance the delivery of active compounds, particularly when formulated to avoid irritation.

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