Common Name(s): Propanediyl 3-hydroxycaprate
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Conditions skin with a mild, moderately polar ester derived from hydroxycapric acid.
Why It's Used: Used as a mild emollient with moderate polarity between non-polar esters and polar humectants.
How It Works: Propanediol diester of 3-hydroxycapric acid; the c10 chain provides emolliency; the hydroxyl group on c3 of the capric acid adds polarity and mild water-binding.
Typically Found In: Skin care,mild emollient formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Emollient,skin conditioning agent
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Propanediol from plant fermentation (dupont bio-pdo); 3-hydroxycapric acid from biotechnology.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Other emollients,humectants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
3-hydroxycapric acid esters represent a class of polar emollients bridging conventional non-polar esters and humectant polyols; used in formulations requiring mild polarity balance.
Last Verified: Cosing database,inci dictionary
Primary Sources: 2026-03-28