Ingredient dictionary

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

A light oily ester made from butylene glycol and two fatty acids. It mainly softens skin and hair and helps other ingredients blend. It is on the label of 38 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate does

Softens and smooths skin and hair
Gives a light, silky slip
Helps UV filters and dyes spread evenly

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is made by joining butylene glycol, a small alcohol-based building block, with two fatty acids: caprylic acid and capric acid. The acids often come from coconut or palm kernel oil, which is why you may see similar names on other labels.

Formulators use it mainly as an emollient, a word for ingredients that smooth and soften. It is light and spreads quickly, so it leaves a silky feel rather than a heavy, oily film. It also helps other oil-loving ingredients, such as UV filters in sunscreens and dyes in hair color, stay evenly spread through the product.

Good for

Suits people who want a light, silky feel in conditioners, body washes and sunscreens, without a heavy or greasy finish.

Frequently asked questions

Is Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate safe for skin?

It is widely used in skincare, hair care and makeup and is generally well tolerated. Like any product, a patch test is a good idea if your skin is very sensitive. If you notice redness, itching or irritation, stop using it and talk with a doctor or pharmacist.

Is Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate the same as Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride?

They are close cousins, not twins. Both are light emollients made from caprylic and capric acids. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride uses glycerin as its base, while this one uses butylene glycol. They often feel alike on skin.