Hydroxycapric Acid ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is used mainly as a skin-conditioning active, especially in formulas aimed at oily or blemish-prone skin. It can also contribute mild acidity and support the formula’s overall sensory profile.
What does Hydroxycapric Acid do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is used mainly as a skin-conditioning active, especially in formulas aimed at oily or blemish-prone skin. It can also contribute mild acidity and support the formula’s overall sensory profile.
Is Hydroxycapric Acid clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally low-friction and is not a common restricted-list ingredient. Because it is an acid, low-pH formulas or higher use levels can cause stinging for some users, especially on compromised skin.
Is Hydroxycapric Acid sustainable?
This material is a small fatty-acid derivative that can be made from renewable lipid feedstocks or by synthesis, so sourcing route matters. It is expected to be biodegradable and does not raise the persistence concerns associated with silicones or fluorinated materials.
Is Hydroxycapric Acid COSMOS-approved?
It can fit COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulas when the feedstock and processing route meet the standard’s allowed-chemistry requirements. Its Green Chemistry profile is strongest when made from renewable fatty feedstocks using simple, low-residue processing.
How does Hydroxycapric Acid work chemically?
The molecule is a saturated 10-carbon carboxylic acid bearing one hydroxyl group, giving it both fatty-chain affinity and acid functionality. It is typically used at low active levels in skin-care systems, has pH-dependent ionization around the carboxylic acid group, and is more oxidation-stable than unsaturated fatty acids.
Last updated 2026-05-15