Emollient

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026

Also known as: Propylene Glycol

Gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturisers | Mix of propylene glycol and capric acid, a plant-derived fatty acid

Addresses

Dehydration

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate products at Skintique

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What Is Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate?

Propylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate is a gel-textured ingredient used in many lightweight moisturizers. It’s a mix of propylene glycol and capric acid, a fatty acid derived from plants.

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/PGEste_092014_Tent_for%20posting.pdf [URL]
  • Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, August 2008, pages 3,467-3,482 [https://doi.org/10.1002/jps.21227]

How widely it's used

0.6%
of skincare products contain this ingredient — placing it in the top 25% of most-used ingredients.
Most common in: Sunscreens

Regulatory information

Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.

Show identifiers
INCI Name
PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE
EC Number
271-516-3
Function
Emollient

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