What is Caprylic Acid?
Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is a medium-chain fatty acid found in dairy and oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. As a dietary supplement, it's renowned for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties and ability to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Research also suggests caprylic acid may help regulate ghrelin, known as the "hunger hormone."
Caprylic acid is also a valuable addition to topical skincare products. It can boost your routine by moisturizing skin as an emollient, stabilizing formulations as a surfactant and keeping acne in check as an antimicrobial. The next time you see caprylic acid on an ingredient list, know that it's working hard.
What are the uses of Caprylic Acid?
It moisturizes skin and slows water loss by forming a barrier on the skin's surface. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting skin from free radical damage. Meanwhile, its texture improves formulas' smoothness and spreadability. Its stability and resistance to oxidation make it a prized addition to many formulas, including moisturizers, sunscreens, foundations, soaps, lipsticks and more.
Outside the skincare world, caprylic acid's uses span far and wide, playing a key role in fragrances, dyes and disinfectants.
Where does Caprylic Acid come from?
Caprylic acid is a fat found in palm oil, coconut oil and animal milk, including human breast milk. On ingredients lists, you might see caprylic acid labeled as caprylic/capric triglyceride (caprylic acid plus glycerin).
Manufacturers may extract caprylic acid from natural sources using fermentation or fractional distillation processes.
Fermentation
The fermentation process uses tiny organisms, like bacteria or yeast, to break down oils, separating the medium-chain fatty acids from the longer ones.
Fractional distillation
Fractional distillation uses heat to separate sources' components based on their boiling points, from which point manufacturers can isolate and purify caprylic acid.
How to incorporate caprylic acid into your skincare routine
Moisturizer
After cleansing in the morning, dab on a lightweight, hydrating cream to provide long-lasting moisture without clogging pores. If you have dry skin, use a formula designed to nourish your skin overnight as part of your evening skincare routine. Try Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Pure Hyaluronic Acid Night Pressed Serum. Formula helps strengthen your moisture barrier overnight and complements skin's natural nighttime renewal process for bounce-back skin.
Makeup
Look for makeup that leverages caprylic acid's moisturizing and formula-enhancing benefits. For example, Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer quenches skin's thirst while providing lightweight coverage for a silky-smooth, flawless finish in five blendable shades.
Makeup Remover
Wash the day away with one of Neutrogena's® makeup removers, available in various formulas to suit your skin and lifestyle needs. Here are some top picks:
All three options remove makeup and impurities without stripping your skin's natural oils for a soft, nourished, makeup-free complexion. What better way to end the day?
