Capryloyl Glycine

Capryloyl glycine is a synthetic amino acid derivative that functions as a skin-softening or hair-conditioning agent. Depending on the formula, it can also be used as a surfactant.

Capryloyl glycine helps protect skin’s surface from water loss and can enhance the effectiveness of cosmetic preservatives, allowing lower amounts to be used (a feature that minimizes the risk of a sensitized reaction).

As a raw material, suppliers of this ingredient describe it as a white to off white powder.

In 2017, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed capryloyl glycine safe as used in cosmetics. Their report surveyed products containing up to 2%.

As an aside, capryloyl glycine has also been studied as key topical ingredient to inhibit excessive body hair growth. One study showed a 4% concentration (in tandem with soy isoflavones) was successful in this regard due to its ability to inhibit an enzyme present in hair follicles.