Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

preservative
Open full file →

Caprylyl Glycol

aka 1,2-octanediol · octane-1,2-diol

Multifunctional preservative booster and conditioning humectant in K-beauty haircare and prestige skincare. Frequently paired with 1,2-hexanediol or phenoxyethanol for broad-spectrum preservation.

Benefits
  • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial
  • Conditioning humectant function
  • Preservative synergy reducing co-preservative concentrations
  • Skin-feel modifier
  • Accepted in natural and clean formulation frameworks
Example uses
  • Purple shampoos
  • Conditioning hair treatments
  • Lightweight serums
  • Gel moisturisers
  • Mist formulations
Formulation notes

Effective pH 3–8. Provides conditioning benefit in haircare. Often formulated at 0.1–0.5% as a booster.

Watchouts

At >1% some reports of irritation in sensitive individuals. Good safety profile at cosmetic use levels.

Clean beauty perception

Generally accepted in clean beauty as paraben-alternative preservative. Synthetic diol — similar naturally-derived branding questions as 1,2-hexanediol apply.