What it is
Coco caprylate/caprate is a natural feel emollient commonly used as a lightweight, natural alternative to silicones. It improves spreadability and leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and non greasy.
Mode of Usage pertaining to the discussion below
Topical application in cosmetics and personal care products.
Main function in a topical product
Skin conditioning/ Emollient.
Safety Profile (Based on regional guidelines)
| European Union – CIR | Safe to use, as per current practice |
| European Union – SCCS | No specific data |
| US FDA | No specific data |
| ASEAN guidelines | No specific data |
Safety in special situations
Pregnancy There is no known pregnancy specific concern with Coco caprylate/caprate in topical cosmetic use.
Nursing Mothers No specific concern has been identified with using coco caprylate/caprate on the skin while breastfeeding.
Babies under 2 years Based on the available information, coco caprylate/caprate has no stated limits on use in skincare for babies under 2 years of age.
Children under 12 years There are no known specific restrictions on using coco caprylate/caprate on the skin of children under 12.
Individuals with cancer history/ risk There is no known concern with using coco caprylate/caprate on your skin if you have a personal or family history of cancer.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
| Vegan | Yes. |
| Natural/Synthetic | This ingredient can come from natural sources or be made synthetically. If you’d like to know which version is in your product, check the product label or ask the brand. |
| Biodegradable | Yes. |
| Ecotoxicity | No specific ecotoxicity concern was identified based on currently available data. |
Attributes
Comedogenicity This ingredient is not known to clog pores.
Acne prone skin Generally suitable for acne prone skin.
Sensitive skin Generally suitable for sensitive skin.
Conclusion Coco-caprylate/caprate is considered safe as per the current practices of use.
References
- Fiume MM, Heldreth BA, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks JG Jr, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2015;34(2 Suppl):5S–69S. doi:10.1177/1091581815594027. PMID:26362120.
- COSMILE Europe. Cosmetic Ingredient Information. COCO-CAPRYLATE/CAPRATE.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Fatty acids, C8-10, C12-18-alkyl esters (Coco-Caprylate/Caprate). EC No. 306-082-7; CAS No. 95912-86-0. ECHA Substance Information.
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). PubChem. Coco-Caprylate/Caprate.
Last updated: 23-Sep-2026
Disclaimer
The above information is based on ongoing toxicology research and scientific review by the CHOSEN® R&D team. We aim to update this information as new and relevant scientific evidence becomes available. If you have any inputs or suggestions regarding the information above, please email us at ingredients@chosenstore.in.