Common Name(s): Glycereth-26 caprylate,glycereth-26 caprylate,glyceryl ester,natural glycerol-derived emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides c8 caprylic fatty acid emolliency from the glycerol ester with one glycerol position esterified providing hlb ~3–4 for o/w emulsification, plus gentle glycerol humectancy from the backbone after sc esterase hydrolysis.
Why It's Used: Glycereth-26 caprylate is selected for c8 caprylic glyceryl ester emolliency — the glycerol carrier provides natural origin, biodegradability, and mild glycerol humectancy co-delivery alongside ultra-light rapid-penetrating short-chain emolliency from the c8 caprylic fatty acid chain.
How It Works: Glyceryl monoester: glycerol backbone → mild humectancy + natural origin; c8 caprylic chain → ultra-light rapid-penetrating short-chain emolliency; sc esterase hydrolysis → free glycerol + fatty acid metabolites.
Typically Found In: Emollient skin care,barrier repair
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–30%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glyceryl mono/diesters are biodegradable alternatives to petro-derived esters — the glycerol backbone ensures ecocert and cosmos certification compatibility.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,glycereth-26 caprylate glyceryl ester emollient review