Propanediol Dicaprylate
AKA “3-propanediol dicaprylate, DUB ZENOAT, RefChem:868976, DTXCID0042082, Octanoic acid, 3-propanediyl ester”
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Propanediol dicaprylate
AKA: 3-propanediol dicaprylate, DUB ZENOAT, RefChem:868976, DTXCID0042082, Octanoic acid, 3-propanediyl ester
Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4
Varies With Manufacturer
Emollient
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight conditioning agent that softens and smooths skin while helping other ingredients blend seamlessly into the formula.
Formula
C19H36O4
Mol. Weight
328.50
CAS #
1020852-63-4, 56519-71-2
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the late 20th century as a synthetic ester. Created as a lightweight emollient and solubilizer for modern cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Propanediol Dicaprylate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Propanediol Dicaprylate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Propanediol Dicaprylate/Caprate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR