Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
A mild, plant-derived solubiliser and non-ionic surfactant. Disperses fragrance and essential oils into water so sprays, cleansers and floral waters stay clear, stable and gentle on skin.
PEG-free and widely used in eco-conscious and clean beauty formulations. It performs well across a broad pH range and can be used alone as a mild solubiliser or combined with other surfactants to enhance foam and improve fragrance dispersion in finished products.
Ingredient specs
- Type
- Non-ionic surfactant and oil-in-water solubiliser
- Ingredients
- Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Water
- Active content
- 60 to 70% active
- HLB
- Approximately 15hydrophilic-lipophilic balance
- pH tolerance
- Performs across a broad pH range
- Derived from
- Plant-based fatty alcohols and glucose
- Storage
- Keep sealed between uses, away from direct heat and light
- Safety
- For use in correctly formulated products only. Patch test your finished formulation before wider use
usage guide
Usage rates by application
| Solubilising oils in water | |
| Foaming and cleansing | |
| Room sprays and organic spritzers | |
| Cleansers and floral waters |
Rates are a starting point. Clarity depends on which fragrance or essential oil you use and how much of it is in the formula, so always trial a small batch first.
frequently asked
What does a solubiliser actually do?
Oil and water do not mix on their own, so a fragrance oil or essential oil added straight to a water-based formulation will float, cloud or separate out. A solubiliser sits between the two, wrapping the oil droplets so they disperse evenly and stay suspended. The result is a clear, stable liquid instead of an oily layer sitting on top.
What can I make with it?
Anything water-based that needs oil dispersed through it, or a gentle cleansing base. Common uses are facial cleansers, body washes, micellar waters, floral waters and hydrosols, bath products, and room and linen sprays. It suits both rinse-off and leave-on formulations, and because it is PEG-free it fits naturally into eco-conscious and clean beauty ranges.
How much do I need to use?
Start at 1% to 5% of your total formula for solubilisation. The right number inside that range depends on how much oil you are trying to disperse: the higher your fragrance or essential oil load, the more solubiliser it takes to hold everything clear. Above 5% the mildly foaming and cleansing side becomes more noticeable, which is useful when you want lather from a wash or cleanser rather than clarity from a spray.
When do I add it to my formulation?
Combine it with your oils first, before either one meets the water. Weigh the solubiliser and the fragrance or essential oil together, stir until the blend is uniform, then add that mixture into your water phase while stirring. Pouring the oil into the water and adding the solubiliser afterwards is the single most common reason a batch never fully clears.
How is it different from Coco Glucoside?
Both are mild, plant-derived, PEG-free glucoside surfactants and they are often used together. Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside has a higher HLB, around 15, which makes it the stronger performer for solubilising oils into water and holding a formulation clear. Coco Glucoside leans more towards gentle cleansing and foam. Many makers reach for this one when clarity matters and add coco glucoside when they want lather.
from the community...
Cosmetic raw material for use in correctly formulated products. Not for undiluted use on skin and not for ingestion. Keep sealed and out of reach of children.
Complete the set
4 compatibleWhat makers pair it with
