Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a synthetic hydroxamic acid derivative used in cosmetic and personal-care formulations primarily for its chelating functionality, with additional antimicrobial and preservative-supporting properties described in cosmetic ingredient literature. Its INCI name is CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID and it is also known as Octanohydroxamic Acid, N-Hydroxyoctanamide and Octanamide, N-hydroxy-. COSMILE Europe currently lists its cosmetic function as chelating, meaning that it can bind metal ions that may negatively affect the stability or appearance of a cosmetic formulation.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid is particularly interesting for modern formulation systems because it can contribute to formulation stability while also providing antimicrobial support. Cosmetic formulation references describe it as having bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties and note its use in water-based as well as anhydrous systems.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid has CAS Number 7377-03-9 and EC Number 230-936-7. Its molecular formula is C₈H₁₇NO₂, with a molecular weight of 159.23 g/mol. PubChem identifies the IUPAC name as N-hydroxyoctanamide.
The substance is generally described as a white to off-white or white-to-tan crystalline solid. Published reference data report a melting point around 78°C, while commercial cosmetic-grade specifications can specify a range around 75–81°C or 78–81°C depending on the supplier and test method.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid has a relatively hydrophobic C8 chain together with a hydroxamic acid functional group. This structure contributes to its metal-chelating behaviour and its usefulness in formulation systems where both stability and microbial-control considerations are relevant.
The primary officially listed cosmetic function is chelating. Chelating agents bind trace metal ions such as iron and other metals that can catalyse oxidation or otherwise affect the colour, odour and stability of cosmetic formulations. COSMILE Europe specifically identifies Caprylhydroxamic Acid as a stabilising ingredient through metal-ion binding.
Cosmetic formulation references additionally describe Caprylhydroxamic Acid as having bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties. This makes it useful as part of broader preservation strategies, particularly when combined with other antimicrobial ingredients. It is therefore often discussed as a multifunctional cosmetic raw material rather than solely as a conventional preservative.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid can be evaluated in a broad range of cosmetic and personal-care formulations, including skin-care products, creams, lotions, emulsions, cleansing products, hair-care formulations and anhydrous systems.
Its chelating capability can help reduce the impact of trace metals on formulation stability, while its antimicrobial properties can provide preservation support. Formulation references also describe its use in combination with antimicrobial glycols and other preservation components.
Unlike ingredients whose performance is strongly dependent on a narrow acidic pH range, Caprylhydroxamic Acid is described in cosmetic formulation literature as having useful functionality over a relatively broad formulation pH range. Nevertheless, actual performance should be established through formulation-specific preservative efficacy and stability testing.
The appropriate level of Caprylhydroxamic Acid depends on the formulation composition, preservation strategy, pH, water activity, packaging and other ingredients present. A raw-material assay should not be confused with the concentration used in the finished cosmetic.
Commercial specifications can differ considerably in analytical parameters. For example, one cosmetic-grade reference specification reports ≥99.0% assay by HPLC, melting point 75–80°C, loss on drying ≤0.5% and residue on ignition ≤0.1%, while another commercial specification reports ≥99.0% HPLC, melting point 79–81°C and volatile matter ≤0.5%. These should be treated as supplier-specific reference specifications rather than universal pharmacopeial limits.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has also evaluated the safety of Caprylhydroxamic Acid as used in cosmetic formulations and reported that the ingredient was considered safe under the assessed practices of use and concentration.
As a Caprylhydroxamic Acid Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India, Swapnroop can position this material for B2B cosmetic and personal-care raw-material requirements, subject to the actual commercial grade and product specification.
Customers searching for a Caprylhydroxamic Acid supplier in India can evaluate the ingredient based on identity, assay, melting point, moisture-related parameters, impurity profile and other batch-specific quality characteristics. For bulk cosmetic ingredient supply, the selected grade should correspond to the intended formulation and technical requirements.
Caprylhydroxamic Acid can be particularly relevant for manufacturers looking for a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient that combines chelating functionality with antimicrobial preservation support.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | ≥99.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 0.5% |
| Residue on Ignition | NMT 0.1% |
| Heavy Metals | NMT 10 ppm |
| Melting Point | 75–81°C |