1,2-Caprylyl glycol is both a good humectant and an antibacterial agent, acting as a skin regulator. It moisturizes and softens the skin, providing a gentle preservative effect, and is therefore frequently added to cosmetics as a humectant or antibacterial agent. Caprylyl glycol can also be used in bath and shampoo products as a thickener and foam stabilizer.
The preservative effect of caprylyl glycol in cosmetics is primarily based on its unique antibacterial mechanism. First, caprylyl glycol can disrupt the cell membrane structure of microorganisms, causing leakage of cell contents and thus rendering the microorganisms inactive. Second, caprylyl glycol can inhibit the respiration and energy metabolism processes of microorganisms, further weakening their survival ability. In addition, caprylyl glycol also has certain moisturizing properties, forming a protective film in cosmetics to prevent the invasion and reproduction of microorganisms.
