Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate is a lightweight emollient made from butylene glycol and fatty acids from caprylic and capric acid. In skincare formulas, it acts as a silky-feeling oil that helps soften the skin, improve spreadability, and reduce the greasy feel of heavier ingredients. It’s often used in lotions, creams, sunscreens, and makeup because it can give products a smoother, more elegant finish.

For skin, this ingredient mainly supports comfort and moisture by helping fill in dry, rough-feeling areas and leaving a soft, conditioned feel. In hair products, it can add slip and a smoother touch, which may help with detangling and reducing that dry, squeaky feel. People who like lightweight moisturizers or dislike heavy oils may especially appreciate it.

Caveat: it’s not a treatment ingredient, so it won’t replace actives like retinoids or exfoliants. Most skin types tolerate it well, but as with any cosmetic ingredient, very sensitive or breakout-prone users may want to patch test a new product first.