Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
AKA: 70424-62-3, Octanoyl salicylic acid, Octanoate, Benzoic acid, 2-(OCTANOYLOXY)BENZOIC ACID, 2-10-00-00043 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
Synthetic
Skin Conditioner
Chemical Exfoliant
Acid
Clean
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (ester) is a cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning. Assessed as safe by the CIR. See also: n-Octanoyl-5-salicylic acid (annotation moved to).
Formula
C15H20O4
Mol. Weight
264.32
CAS #
70424-62-3
Form
Liquid
State
Solid
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Unclogs pores
Supports cell turnover
Controls excess oil
Fights acne
Causing bacteria
Traditional Use
A modern derivative of salicylic acid created by bonding it to caprylic acid, developed in the late 20th century. Designed to improve penetration and efficacy of salicylic acid for acne treatment while reducing irritation.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Caution
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
3.0%
0%4%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 3.0%. (a) 3.0% (b) 2.0%. Not to be used for children under three years of age (11) Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 98.
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
Acne
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory2 listings →
🛡️Safety-assessed5 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR