Hydroxycaproic acid, also known as 2-hydroxydecanoic acid, is an alpha-hydroxy acid with a long carbon chain consisting of ten carbon atoms. Due to its large molecular size compared to other AHAs, this hydroxycarboxylic acid penetrates the skin more slowly and has a lower potential for irritation than conventional alpha-hydroxy acids.<\/p>\n
It is the hydroxylated form of capric acid or decanoic acid.<\/p>\n
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Capric acid occurs as a triglyceride in many plant and seed oils, including palm and coconut oil, as well as in the fat of goat\u2019s milk, hence the name (capra = goat).<\/p>\n
The white solid melts at 31\u00b0C. It is highly soluble in organic solvents such as alcohol (ethanol) or ether, but poorly soluble in water (0.15 g\/L). It is flammable and has a weakly acidic reaction.<\/p>\n
The triglycerides of capric acid, caprylic\/capric triglycerides, are used in cosmetics as neutral oils in skin creams and lotions, as emulsifiers, and as surfactants in cleansing products for skin and hair. They spread easily on the skin, absorb quickly, keep the skin supple, and are well-tolerated.<\/p>\n
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Hydroxylated capric or decanoic acid belongs to the group of hydroxy fatty acids. These are organic compounds that carry one or more hydroxyl groups in the main chain of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids. They occur naturally in sphingolipids, leaf lipids, plant waxes, and plant oils.<\/p>\n
In cosmetics, they are used as stabilizers and for their anti-inflammatory properties. In addition to the ten carbon atoms, the hydroxycapric acid molecule has a terminal carboxyl group (acid function) and a hydroxy group (OH). It is found, for example, in nerve tissue and myelin.<\/p>\n
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In an ex vivo study, the percutaneous absorption of various AHAs was compared. The study measured how much of the formulation containing 0.5% AHA penetrated into the skin layers and into the receptor fluid through a sample taken from human skin.<\/p>\n
No statistically significant difference was observed between the absorption of the formulations containing hydroxycapric acid (2-hydroxydecanoic acid), 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid, or 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid. However, the acids differed significantly in their target location. Hydroxycapric acid was more concentrated in the epidermis than 2-hydroxyoctanoic acid and less concentrated in the dermis than 2-hydroxyhexanoic acid. The results thus confirmed the expectation that the larger hydroxycapric acid molecule penetrates the skin more slowly and less deeply than short-chain alpha-hydroxy acids.<\/p>\n
In cosmetics, hydroxycapric acid is used as an alternative to conventional AHAs for sensitive skin, as it has a lower potential for irritation. As an exfoliating agent, it reveals radiant, renewed skin free of dead cells and improves its hydration.<\/p>\n
INCI: Hydroxycapric Acid (Hydroxydecanoic acid)<\/p>\n
CAS No.: 5393-81-7<\/p>\n
Trade name\/Manufacturer: TEGO\u00ae RenewHA Cap \/ Evonik<\/p>\n
Description: white, solid, active ingredients: > 98%<\/p>\n
Molecular weight: 188 g\/mol<\/p>\n
Recommended usage concentration: 0.5 \u2013 10% For home use, it is recommended not to exceed a concentration of 10% in exfoliants.<\/p>\n
Use in cosmetics: Skin care products for the face, body, and scalp, including the sensitive eye area, lips, after-shave repair, cleansing gel, exfoliant, and products designed for sensitive skin<\/p>\n
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The combination of hydroxycapric acid and hydroxycaprylic acid in the solvent butylene glycol, marketed under the trade name TEGO\u00ae<\/sup>HA HODA, facilitates the incorporation of AHAs into formulations. Due to its long carbon chain, the active ingredient offers lower skin irritation potential while maintaining good performance.<\/p>\n INCI: Butylene Glycol, Hydroxycapric Acid, Hydroxycaprylic Acid<\/p>\n Trade name\/manufacturer: TEGO\u00ae<\/sup>HA HODA \/ Evonik<\/p>\n Description: Solution, active ingredients: 34\u201343%<\/p>\n Recommended usage concentration: 0.5\u20133%<\/p>\n INCI: Hydroxycaprylic Acid (2-Hydroxyoctanoic acid)<\/p>\n CAS No.: 617-73-2<\/p>\n Molecular weight: 160.21 g\/mol<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Polyhydroxy acids, bionic acids, or hydroxy fatty acids: They expand the range of cosmetic active ingredients for exfoliating applications, hydrating products, anti-aging creams or serums, and formulations designed to enhance radiance, offering effective, gentle, and easily adjustable alternatives to AHAs, which often have a high potential for irritation.<\/p>\n Cosmacon has been offering custom formulation development services for over 10 years, and we are confident we can help make your product a success with hydroxycaproic acid. Contact us!<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\nProduct profiles:<\/h4>\n
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