Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) is a lipophilic salicylic acid derivative used as a keratolytic/exfoliant typically around ~0.1–1%, and it can disrupt the stratum corneum and sting or burn on compromised skin. Clinical and post-market experience with BHA-type exfoliants shows meaningful irritation risk in eczema-prone and barrier-impaired patients, especially when combined with retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, or other acids. Given its active, exfoliating mechanism and real-world cumulative irritation potential, it warrants a significant-irritancy score for sensitive populations. Safety Notes: In consumer skincare, Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) is most often used in leave-on toners/serums/creams around ~0.1–0.3%, but it is also found at very low “supporting” levels (~0.01–0.05%) in multi-acid or anti-aging formulas where it is not the lead active. The highest OTC concentrations observed are in high-strength exfoliating leave-on treatments that reach ~1.5–2.0% (typically in hydroalcoholic or low-pH systems), while rinse-off cleansers generally sit in the lower-to-mid portion of the range due to short contact time and irritation management.

Suitability