Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY)
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is a monoester of glycerol and caprylic acid. The name caprylic acid is derived from the Latin word “capra”, which means “goat”. The reason for this unusual name is that caprylic acid is found as a triglyceride in goat butter. It is also found as a triglyceride (glyceryl triester) in about five to nine percent of coconut oil. GMCY is an excellent multifunctional cosmetic ingredient.
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) a multifunctional additive
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is a widely used chemical compound in the cosmetics industry that can fulfil various functions. Here are some of the most common uses and properties of glyceryl caprylate in cosmetics:
- emulsifier: Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY can be used as an emulsifier to stabilise the oil and water phases in a formulation. This is particularly important in creams, lotions and other emulsions. Due to its amphiphilic structure, GMCY is very often used as a co-emulsifier. This special structure ensures that the surface tension is reduced, which in turn leads to the formation of smaller droplets. The result: significantly more stable emulsions. At higher concentrations, glyceryl caprylate reduces the viscosity of emulsions.
- preservative: Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) also acts as a preservative that can help inhibit the growth of microorganisms in cosmetic products. It can be combined with other preservatives to improve the shelf life of formulations.
- moisturiser: Due to its structural properties, GMCY is able to draw moisture into the skin and bind it there, which can lead to improved skin hydration.
- emollient: Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) can give the skin a soft and smooth feel, improving the texture of cosmetic products.
- odour corrector: It can also be used as an odour-correcting agent to mask unpleasant odours in cosmetic formulations.
It not only has a biologically stabilising effect, but also regulates moisture and moisturises. It is also very well tolerated by the skin.
Possible uses of GMCY in cosmetics
The raw material is particularly suitable for stabilising surfactants and O/W emulsions. Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is also widely used as a supporting ingredient in anti-acne products due to its high efficacy against yeasts and bacteria. Conventional preservatives can be omitted as GMCY has excellent antimicrobial activity. The efficacy of glyceryl caprylate can be further enhanced by adding lactic acid, ideally at a concentration of between 0.5 and 1.0%.
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is an excellent choice for high quality natural cosmetics, but can also be used in conventional cosmetics. It is particularly suitable for emulsions, water-based products and oils. In water-based products without alcohol, however, GMCY should be used in conjunction with a solubiliser. GMCY is also used as a natural emulsifier in oil mixtures such as bath chocolates and bath oils. When added to water, GMCY emulsifies the oil in water, creating a milky mixture that rinses off easily and quickly without leaving an unpleasant greasy feel on the skin.
With so many advantages, there is one small disadvantage. Direct contact with the eyes or ocular mucosa can cause sensitisation: Eyes can become red, itchy and watery.
From our point of view, glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is therefore only suitable to a limited extent and up to a maximum of 0.75 % for oils intended for facial cleansing. A maximum concentration of 0.3% should be used in the eye area.
GMCY as a highly effective and versatile all-rounder
Different application concentrations are available for GMCY depending on the desired area of application. If the substance is to be used primarily as a preservative booster, an application concentration of 0.3 to 0.5 per cent is recommended. When used as an emollient, the ideal dosage is between 0.5 and 1.0 per cent. A pH value of 5.0 to 7.0 is optimal for the final formulation.
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) is already contained in many formulas and formulations. From body lotions to anti-ageing products, from hand creams to hair conditioners – the range of possible applications is enormous. Thanks to its excellent skin compatibility, GMCY is even suitable for baby care and is also an ideal solution for lip balm, body butter and body scrub.
PROFILE: GMCY
INCI: Glyceryl caprylate
CAS number: 26402-26-6
EINECS number: 247-668-1
Description: waxy solid
Melting range: 30 to 35 degrees Celsius
We like to work with raw materials that contain glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) :
| Trade Name | Company Name | INCI | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vercatech CAPRYLATE | Jover Scientech SL | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| dermosoft GMCY MB | Evonik – Personal Care | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Lexgard GMCY MB | Inolex | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Lexgard GC70 Natural MB | Inolex | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Cosphaderm GMCY RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| SymLite G8 | Symrise | Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Cosphaderm Dicapo Natural RSPO MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Cosphaderm GeMix RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
| Lexgard Natural MB | Inolex | Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
| STEPAN-MILD GCC | Stepan Europe | Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate | |
| DUB G-SMART | Stearinerie Dubois | Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate | |
| Vercatech CGE-CAPRYLATE | Jover Scientech SL | Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glyceryl Ether | |
| E-Leen GC 8 | Minasolve | Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin | |
| Vercatech PENTYFORCE G | Jover Scientech SL | Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| TRIstat ECO | Tri-K Industries, Inc. | Benzyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
| Activonol Green-GCP | ACTIVON CO., LTD. | Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Pentylene Glycol | |
| Cosphaderm TOM RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
| Spectrastat G2 Natural MB | Inolex | Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glycerin | |
| E-Leen Green C | Minasolve | Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate | |
| Cosphaderm Dicapo RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Dipropylene Glycol | |
| sensiva go natural multifunctional | Ashland | Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol | |
| STEPAN-MILD GCC-FL/MB | Stepan Europe | Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Propanediol | |
| EasySafe GC 8 | Minasolve | Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin | |
| symbiomuls GC MB | Evonik – Personal Care | Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Ecocelluar Aloe Water | Daebong LS Co., Ltd. | Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol | |
| Cosphaderm MultiMEG RSPO/MB | Cosphatec GmbH | Glyceryl Caprylate, Pentylene Glycol, Magnolia Officinalis Bark Extract | |
| Ecocellular Cucumber Water | Daebong LS Co., Ltd. | Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol | |
| Ecocellular Tomato Water | Daebong LS Co., Ltd. | Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Water, Glyceryl Caprylate, Propanediol | |
| TEGO CBD Revitalize | Evonik – Personal Care | Amaranthus Caudatus Seed Extract, Cholesterol, Cannabidiol, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| BGC-FG | BST Inc. | Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Yeast Ferment Extract, Allium Sativum (Garlic) Bulb Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Nocturshape blue ingredient MB | Lipotec S.A.U. | Aqua, Propanediol, Disodium Phosphate, Xanthan Gum, Plankton Extract, Sodium Phosphate, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| SY-KNP MB | IWASE COSFA EUROPE | Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Flower Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Butylene Glycol, Water | |
| NovoRetin | Mibelle AG Biochemistry | Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Lecithin, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Water | |
| SLIM EC3 | INABATA | Glycerin, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil /Hydrogenated Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil Esters, Carnitine, Esculin, Glyceryl Caprylate/Caprate | |
| Cellike | BioSpectrum, Inc. | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin, Phytosterols, Glyceryl Caprylate, Ceramide NP | |
| symbiosolv clear plus MB | Evonik – Personal Care | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Aqua, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Citric Acid, Polyglyceryl-6 Oleate, Sodium Surfactin | |
| Altheostem | Provital | Propanediol, Glycerin, Aqua, Althaea Rosea Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum, Pentylene Glycol, Levulinic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| Pronalen Bio-Protect ZNSN | Provital | Water, Propanediol, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Juice, Prunus Persica (Peach) Juice, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Seed Extract, Hordeum Vulgare Seed Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate | |
| BergaCare SmartLipids Ceramide Light | Berg + Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG | Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Pentylene Glycol, Ceramide NP, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Phytosterols, Ceramide AP, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate | |
| BergaCare SmartLipids Ceramide PLUS | Berg + Schmidt GmbH & Co. KG | Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ceramide NP, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Ceramide AP, Pentylene Glycol, Phytosterols, Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Propanediol, Glyceryl Caprylate |
All-rounder glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) : the natural all-rounder
Glyceryl caprylate (GMCY) combines excellent hydrating, moisture-binding and -replenishing properties with exceptional skin compatibility. It also has a remarkable effect against micro-organisms. The impressive function as a preservative booster rounds off the almost unique spectrum of this special ingredient. Conclusion: The highly pure and multifunctional monoester of glycerine and caprylate fatty acid is an optimal choice for high-quality cosmetics in a wide range of applications. The fact that GMCY is Ecocert-certified further emphasises the special status of this ingredient. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about optimisation and challenges relating to preservative systems.
Sources:
Application of a Multifunctional Additive in Cosmetic Preparations for Safe Preservation.; Juncan, A. M., Rus, L. L., Craciun, V. I., Tincu, A. L. V., & Morgovan, C. REVISTA DE CHIMIE, (2019) 70(7), 2429-2433.
A new alternative to cosmetics preservation and the effect of the particle size of the emulsion droplets on preservation efficacy.;M Int J Cosmet Sci. 2016 Oct;38(5):496-503.
The Role of Preservatives and Multifunctionals on the Oxidation of Cosmetic O/W Emulsions.; Springer, A., & Ziegler, H. Cosmetics, (2022).9(3), 59.