Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is a non-ionic sugar-derived surfactant/solubilizer used in cleansers and to disperse oils, typically around ~0.5–5% (and higher in some wash-off systems), where surfactant activity can disrupt the stratum corneum and sting compromised skin. Clinical experience and patch/usage data show it is generally better tolerated than harsher anionic surfactants, but it can still cause irritation—especially in eczema, post-procedure skin, or when combined with other cleansing agents—so I rate it as moderate and recommend patch testing for highly reactive patients. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside is often used at very low levels (~0.1–1%) as a solubilizer/co-surfactant in leave-on products (e.g., sprays, serums, micellar-type waters) and to help disperse oils/fragrance. In rinse-off cleansers and shampoos it commonly sits in the low single digits, but consumer-available high-foaming “glucoside-based” cleansing products and concentrated surfactant bases can reach ~10–15% as part of the primary surfactant system (still OTC, not professional-only). The upper end is mainly relevant to rinse-off products due to irritation/feel constraints in leave-on formats.