Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a clear-to-yellow liquid that functions as a binder, skin conditioning agent, and surface modifier in cosmetics. It is used to coat pigments used in cosmetics and personal care products. Triethoxycaprylylsilane contains a Si-O bond that can be readily hydrolyzed in the presence of moisture, making this compound very reactive.
Safety profile
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is not restricted from use in any way under the rules governing cosmetic products in the European Union. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded that triethoxycaprylylsilane can safely be used to coat sunscreen actives. The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel also concludes it to be safe in cosmetics in the appropriate concentrations. However, since it has a silicone base, consumers should consider the warnings associated with all silicone ingredients. If silicone is able to enter the body (although applied topically, this is unlikely due to the large molecule size), it can degrade into silica, a toxic, carcinogenic substance, that can damage the immune system, and may also allow toxic substances to enter into the skin.