Sodium Caprylate is the sodium salt of caprylic acid (octanoic acid) and is a specialty cosmetic ingredient with surface-active properties. It is identified by CAS Number 1984-06-1, has the molecular formula C₈H₁₅NaO₂, and a molecular weight of approximately 166.20 g/mol.
Also known as Sodium Octanoate or Caprylic Acid Sodium Salt, Sodium Caprylate belongs to the family of medium-chain fatty-acid salts. Its combination of a hydrophobic eight-carbon fatty chain and an ionic sodium carboxylate group gives it useful surfactant characteristics.
In cosmetic formulations, Sodium Caprylate is primarily associated with cleansing and emulsifying functions. Its technical profile also makes it useful in specialty formulation systems where a water-compatible fatty-acid salt is required.
Sodium Caprylate is chemically represented as C₈H₁₅NaO₂ and has a molecular weight of 166.20 g/mol. Its systematic chemical identity is sodium octanoate.
The ingredient is generally supplied as a white to off-white or pale-yellow powder or crystalline material. It is soluble in water, allowing it to be incorporated into aqueous formulation systems.
Commercial specifications demonstrate that the quality parameters can vary according to grade and intended application. A Ph. Eur./ChP/NF commercial grade, for example, specifies 99.0–101.0% assay calculated on the anhydrous basis, with pH of a 10% aqueous solution at 8.0–10.5, water content NMT 3.0%, the largest individual GC impurity NMT 0.3%, and total GC impurities NMT 0.5%.
The assay in these specifications is determined by perchloric-acid titration, not HPLC. Therefore, an HPLC assay should not be claimed for Sodium Caprylate unless the actual supplied material is tested using a validated HPLC method.
Sodium Caprylate is primarily classified as a surfactant – cleansing agent and surfactant – emulsifying agent.
As a fatty-acid salt, it can contribute to the interaction between oily and aqueous components in a formulation. Its surface activity can support cleansing systems by helping formulation components interact with oily substances and impurities.
Its emulsifying function can also be relevant in formulations where the controlled interaction of water and oil phases is required. Performance depends on the overall formulation, including pH, ionic strength, surfactant combinations and the presence of other fatty-acid salts.
Sodium Caprylate should therefore be evaluated as a formulation-specific ingredient rather than assuming that one concentration or specification will apply to every cosmetic product.
Sodium Caprylate can be considered for:
Its water solubility and surface-active characteristics make it particularly relevant to aqueous formulation systems.
Sodium Caprylate should also be distinguished from Sodium Caprylate/Caprate, which contains a combination of caprylic and capric acid salts and therefore has a different composition and technical profile.
Formulators working with Sodium Caprylate should consider pH, concentration, water content, particle characteristics and compatibility with other ingredients. Because it is an ionic fatty-acid salt, formulation conditions can influence its solubility and surface activity.
Commercial specifications may include identity, assay, pH, water, related substances, heavy metals and appearance of solution. The appropriate specification should depend on the intended grade and application.
For example, an established pharmaceutical-grade specification reports pH 8.0–10.5 for a 10% aqueous solution and water NMT 3.0%. Other commercial technical grades may have different limits, so these values should not automatically be transferred to every Sodium Caprylate product.
Storage should follow the manufacturer's technical and safety documentation, with protection from unsuitable environmental conditions and contamination.
Sodium Caprylate is a specialty fatty-acid-based cosmetic ingredient used in cleansing and emulsifying systems. A Sodium Caprylate Cosmetic Ingredient Manufacturer in India can support cosmetic manufacturers and personal-care formulators requiring controlled-quality Sodium Caprylate for formulation development and bulk production.
For B2B procurement, important quality parameters include CAS identity, assay, water content, pH, related substances, appearance and solubility. Buyers should evaluate the actual COA and technical specification associated with the supplied batch.
As a cosmetic raw material and personal care ingredient, Sodium Caprylate can be considered for manufacturers developing cleansing, emulsifying and specialty surfactant formulations.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White or colourless crystals / white powder |
| Assay (HPLC) | 99.0–101.0% |
| Loss on Drying | NMT 3.0% |
| pH (1% Solution) | 8.0–10.5 |
| Individual Impurity | NMT 0.3% |
| Total Impurities | NMT 0.5% |
| Water Content | NMT 3.0% |