Ingredient review
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
INCI: Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
A gentle, non-greasy emollient that softens skin and improves product texture without clogging pores.
In plain English
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is an emollient ester made from butylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil. It feels lightweight and silky on the skin, helping to lock in moisture without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. It's often used to improve the spreadability and feel of creams, lotions, and sunscreens.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic ester formed by combining butylene glycol with caprylic and capric fatty acids, which are derived from coconut oil. It appears as a clear, oily liquid and is used as a skin-conditioning agent.
How it works
It sits on the skin's surface to form a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and softens the skin. Its lightweight texture helps other ingredients spread evenly and gives products a silky, non-greasy feel.
Pros
Lightweight feel
Unlike heavier oils, this emollient absorbs quickly and leaves a silky, non-greasy finish, making it ideal for daytime use or under makeup.
Low irritation potential
It has a low irritation and comedogenic rating, so it's generally safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Cons and cautions
Not for very dry skin
Its lightweight nature means it may not provide enough moisture for severely dry or dehydrated skin, which may require richer occlusives.
Semi-synthetic source
Although derived from natural fatty acids, it is chemically modified, which may not appeal to those seeking exclusively natural ingredients.
Best for
- People with oily or combination skin looking for a lightweight moisturizer
- Anyone who wants a silky, non-sticky feel in their skincare products
Use caution if
- Those with extremely dry skin may need a richer emollient
Usage tips
Safety summary
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in standard use concentrations.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and other regulatory bodies support its use as a skin-conditioning agent. Studies indicate it is well-tolerated and non-sensitizing in typical cosmetic formulations.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics by the FDA and the European Commission with no known restrictions at typical concentrations.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Serums, Makeup removers
- Environmental note
- Derived from renewable coconut oil, but the esterification process involves chemical modification. Biodegradability is expected to be moderate.
Good to know
- It is often used as a replacement for silicone oils in 'silicone-free' formulations.
- It helps dissolve and stabilize other ingredients like sunscreen filters and active compounds.
Common questions
What is Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate in beauty products?
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is an emollient ester made from butylene glycol and fatty acids from coconut oil. It feels lightweight and silky on the skin, helping to lock in moisture without leaving a heavy or sticky residue. It's often used to improve the spreadability and feel of creams, lotions, and sunscreens.
What does Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate do in a beauty product?
It sits on the skin's surface to form a thin, breathable film that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and softens the skin. Its lightweight texture helps other ingredients spread evenly and gives products a silky, non-greasy feel.
Is Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate safe for most people?
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It has low irritation and comedogenic potential, and no significant safety concerns have been reported in standard use concentrations.
Who should be careful with Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate?
Those with extremely dry skin may need a richer emollient
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.