Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientEmollientDicaprylyl Carbonate
INCI: Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Dicaprylyl carbonate is an ester formed by combining carbonic acid with two molecules of caprylyl alcohol, an eight-carbon fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. It functions as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and skin-conditioning agent that creates a dry, non-greasy finish on skin. It also acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve and disperse UV filters, pigments, and other ingredients in a formulation.
Category
Emollient
Irritation Risk
Low
Skin Types
all skin types, dry, normal, combination, oily, acne-prone, sensitive
What does this do in a formula?
skin conditioning, lightweight moisturisation, improved spreadability, ingredient absorption enhancement, silky dry finish, UV filter solubilisation, pigment dispersion
Is Dicaprylyl Carbonate safe? Key considerations
Can Dicaprylyl Carbonate cause irritation?
Low RiskHuman repeated insult patch test data on a product containing approximately 31% dicaprylyl carbonate showed no primary or cumulative irritation and no cutaneous sensitisation in 108 subjects. The CIR Expert Panel concluded dialkyl carbonates are safe in cosmetics when formulated to be non-irritating. No EU Annex II or III restrictions apply.
Does Dicaprylyl Carbonate increase sun sensitivity?
No RiskDicaprylyl carbonate does not increase photosensitivity. It is in fact commonly used as a carrier and solvent in sunscreen formulations to improve UV filter dispersal.
Is Dicaprylyl Carbonate safe during pregnancy?
CautionLimited clinical data is available for topical use during pregnancy. The CIR assessed the dialkyl carbonate class as safe at cosmetic concentrations. Animal studies on related compounds showed embryotoxic effects only at very high doses accompanied by maternal toxicity — not relevant to typical topical use. As a precaution, consult a healthcare provider before introducing new products during pregnancy.
How does Dicaprylyl Carbonate work?
Dicaprylyl carbonate is an ester formed by combining carbonic acid with two molecules of caprylyl alcohol, an eight-carbon fatty alcohol derived from coconut or palm kernel oil. It functions as a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient and skin-conditioning agent that creates a dry, non-greasy finish on skin. It also acts as a solvent, helping to dissolve and disperse UV filters, pigments, and other ingredients in a formulation.
Which products contain Dicaprylyl Carbonate?
Shop products that contain Dicaprylyl Carbonate
Starter Retinol Serum
Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum
Caffeine Eye Cream
Omega Water Cream
Supersize Omega Water Cream
