Ingredient
Caproic Acid
Hexanoic Acid
C6 Fatty Acid
What it is
Caproic acid is a naturally occurring medium-chain (C6) saturated fatty acid found in animal fats, milk and some plant oils. In cosmetics it is used in small amounts as a pH-buffering component and as a building block of fatty-acid soap/surfactant systems.
How it works
As a carboxylic fatty acid it can donate or accept protons to help stabilize formula pH, and its amphiphilic structure contributes mild surfactant behavior when neutralized with alkalizing agents.
What it does
Surfactant
Buffering
Concerns to know
-
Well tolerated
No significant safety concern is reported for this ingredient as used in cosmetics.