CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID

CAS Number	7377-03-9
Chem/IUPAC Name:	N-hydroxyoctanamide
EINECS/ELINCS No:	230-936-7
COSING REF No:	86262

Caprylhydroxamic Acid is a white-to-tan crystalline solid and is used as a chelating agent in cosmetics and personal care products. It also has bacteriostatic and fungistatic properties and has the ability to remain active even at high pH.

Who supplies CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID ?

DJC

What is CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID used for?

Caprylhydroxamic acid is a synthetic chelating agent that aids in protecting cosmetic formulations from metal ions that can cause instability. Additionally, it functions as a preservative, stopping the growth of mould in water-based formulas. Due to its versatility and non-pH dependence, this ingredient can be used in a wide range of cosmetic formulations, including waterless (anhydrous). When combined with antimicrobial glycols (like propanediol), it frequently results in a "preservative-free preservative system" for cosmetic products. According to 2020 FDA Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) survey data Caprylhydroxamic Acid is used at maximum leave-on and rinse-off concentrations of 0.25% in body and hand products and 0.3% in bath soaps, respectively.

Skin care: To support aesthetics or a more traditional, broad-spectrum preservative system, it is occasionally combined with humectants like glycerin or propanediol. In order to ensure the safety of the product, liquid body care products must contain an efficient preservative because they are a natural breeding ground for bacteria, especially when they are made from natural plant oils. Additionally, caprylhydroxamic acid can be acquired from coconut oil, making it a plant-based substance with a better profile. It offers guaranteed, all-around effectiveness against bacteria and fungi
Hair care: It is a common ingredient in shampoos and other hair products because it is a mild, plant-based, non-toxic preservative with moisturizing properties

Origin

Transamidation of either methyl caprylate or ethyl caprylate with hydroxylamine produces caprylhydroxamic acid as the end product; methanol or ethanol, respectively, is produced as a byproduct. The reaction is conducted in either methanol or ethanol under refluxing conditions, depending on which caprylate ester is utilized. After being separated and purified from ethyl acetate through recrystallization, caprylhydroxamic acid is then washed and dried to produce the ingredient, which has a purity of >99%.

What does CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID do in a formulation?

Chelating
Preservative

Safety profile

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has evaluated the safety of Caprylhydroxamic Acid as used in cosmetic formulations and found it to be safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration. Caprylhydroxamic Acid was not irritating or sensitizing in numerous studies. According to the results of in vitro ocular irritation studies, Caprylhydroxamic Acid was not expected to be an ocular irritant.

The Panel observed the lack of data on carcinogenicity. Concerns about carcinogenicity were, however, significantly reduced by the fact that the data on genotoxicity were largely unfavourable and that there were no structural alerts for carcinogenicity. It has a score of 1 on the Environmental Working Group (EWG’s) skin-deep scale, indicating a low potential for cancer, allergies, immunotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and use restrictions.