Ingredient dictionary

Capryloyl Glycine

Capryloyl Glycine is a mild, amino-acid-based surfactant made from glycine, an amino acid, and caprylic acid, a fatty acid. It gently cleanses and conditions the skin. It is on the label of 16 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Capryloyl Glycine does

Gently lifts dirt and oil
Helps skin feel soft and smooth
Adds mildness to cleansers
Helps hair feel smoother

Capryloyl Glycine is made by joining glycine, a simple amino acid, with caprylic acid, a fatty acid that occurs naturally in coconut and palm kernel oils. The result has a fatty tail that grips oil and a water-loving head that mixes with water. That shape lets it act as a surfactant, the part of a cleanser that lifts dirt and oil so they rinse away.

Formulators use it because it is milder than many classic cleansing agents. It cleanses without leaving skin feeling tight, and it helps with softness and slip. In shampoos it can help hair feel smoother. Its texture is light, and it rinses cleanly without heavy residue.

Good for

Suits people who want gentle cleansing and softer skin, including those with sensitive or dry skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is Capryloyl Glycine gentle on skin?

It is generally considered mild, which is why it appears in many gentle body washes and lotions. Mildness depends on the whole formula, though, so the other ingredients matter too. If you react to a product, check its full ingredient list and patch test new ones.

Does Capryloyl Glycine help hair feel softer?

It is used in some shampoos to help hair feel smoother. The effect is usually gentle. Results vary with hair type, water, and the rest of the formula, so it is one part of how a product feels.