Caprylic Acid
AKA: Octanoic acid, 124-07-2, N-octanoic acid, N-caprylic acid, Octylic acid, Octoic acid, N-octylic acid, 1-heptanecarboxylic acid, N-Octoic acid
Synthetic
Cleanser
Fragrance
Emulsifier
Plant Oil
Acid
Clean
Caprylic acid is the common name for the eight-carbon straight chain fatty acid known by the systematic name octanoic acid. It is found naturally in coconuts and breast milk. It is an oily liquid with a slightly unpleasant rancid taste that is minimally soluble in water. Caprylic acid is used commercially in the production of esters used in perfumery and also in the manufacture of dyes.
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C8H16O2
Mol. Weight
144.21
CAS #
124-07-2
Form
Liquid
State
Octanoic acid appears as a colorless to light yellow liquid with a mild odor. Burns, but may be difficult to ignite. Corrosive to metals and tissue.
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Perfuming
Added for scent. Can be natural or synthetic. Common irritant and allergen — one of the top reasons people react to products.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Surfactant Cleansing
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Traditional Use
A medium-chain saturated fatty acid found naturally in coconut oil and goat's milk, with traditional use in soap and candle-making. Isolated and used in modern cosmetics for its antimicrobial and skin-conditioning properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR