Common Name(s): Polycaprolactone,polycaprolactone,biodegradable polyester,slow-release encapsulation polymer

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides controlled release of encapsulated actives through slow hydrolysis of the ester backbone at physiological ph, biodegrading to 6-hydroxycaproic acid over 1-3 years, and offering a microplastic-alternative encapsulation material.

Why It's Used: Pcl's biodegradability under eu regulation 2023/2055 microplastic restriction criteria — hydrolysis to monomeric 6-hydroxycaproic acid (a standard fatty hydroxy acid) over 1-3 years provides the biodegradable polymer exemption from the microplastic restriction targeting insoluble non-degradable particles.

How It Works: Pcl (tm 58-65°c, tg -60°c) is semi-crystalline at room temperature — the crystalline domains provide sustained active release resistance while the amorphous regions allow water ingress for hydrolytic degradation. ester bond hydrolysis is catalysed by tissue esterases and proceeds fastest at ph extremes (stable at ph 5-7 for extended shelf life).

Typically Found In: Controlled release,sustainable encapsulation,anhydrous cosmetics

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Pcl biodegradation certificate: pcl achieves >90% biodegradation in standardised tests (oecd 301b) over 6-12 months — qualifying for the biodegradable polymer exemption from eu microplastic restrictions. supplier documentation should include biodegradation test data.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,eu 2023/2055 microplastic,polycaprolactone biodegradable encapsulation review