Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a lipophilic ester emollient used mainly to improve slip and reduce tack, typically at a few percent up to ~10% in leave-on products. As a high–molecular weight, non-volatile ester, it has low water solubility and minimal penetration, and patch test/clinical use experience generally supports a low irritation profile compared with free propylene glycol. Rare irritation can occur in highly reactive or barrier-impaired eczema patients (often from overall formula load/occlusion rather than intrinsic reactivity), so it is best classified as very gentle but not completely inert. Safety Notes: Propylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a lightweight emollient/ester used as a slip agent and oil-phase solvent; in mass-market leave-on lotions/serums it is often present at low levels (~0.1–2%) to improve sensory feel and aid dispersion of lipophilic ingredients. In anhydrous facial oils, makeup primers, cleansing balms, and high-slip silicone-free emulsions it can function as a primary emollient, with consumer-available formulas commonly reaching ~10–25% and specialty anhydrous or balm formats observed up to ~40%. Rinse-off products typically sit at the lower end due to cost/phase balance, while the highest levels are mainly in leave-on or anhydrous systems.