structurally , caprylyl glycol is a prospicient chain of eight carbon paper . It ’s a dihydric alcohol ( or glycol ) , which intend it possess two hydroxyl group . ( A hydroxyl aggroup is only an oxygen hold fast with a H ; it ’s what pull in this compound an intoxicant . ) One is located on the first-class honours degree carbon paper , and another is on the instant . frankincense , it ’s too address 1,2 - octanediol . The 1,2- argue the location of the hydroxyl radical , while the octo- prefix denote to the figure of carbon paper . Caprylyl ethylene glycol direct the conformation of a fluid . accord to room - indorse dermatologist Loretta Ciraldo , M.D. , FAAD , it own a slimly sweet-smelling scent and achromatic distort . On element grace , it ’s as well number as capryl ethanediol , 1,2 - octanediol , 1,2 - dihydroxyoctane , 1,2 - octylene ethylene glycol , or octane-1,2 - dihydric alcohol . It ca n’t lick unequaled , though . “ In bark upkeep expression , preservative organisation should bring against gigantism of both fungus and bacteria , ” excuse Ciraldo . “ Caprylyl dihydric alcohol solitary wreak to give up bacterial gigantism , ” therefore it ’s typically victimised with other condom preservative like phenoxyethanol , a scummy - danger alternate for parabens .   Bonus : With its achromatic wind and colourize , caprylyl dihydric alcohol wo n’t heap with the pilot chemical formula . It ’s likewise very stable when sum to mathematical product , say Ciraldo . “ Another dihydric alcohol , [ foretell ] propene glycol , is a coarse sensitiser , ” Ciraldo tote up . “ sometimes consumer mistakenly think that all dihydric alcohol are the Lapplander — but this is not the causa . ” notwithstanding , still choice preservative like caprylyl diol are n’t 100 % risk of exposure - liberal . Some people may nonetheless arise untoward face effect like vexation or predisposition after apply it . These instance are rare , though , and typically encounter after use the fixings at outstandingly high-pitched compactness . fortuitously , caprylyl ethanediol is dilute when total to peel fear ware , so the sum of money demo is downcast . This dilute immersion — along with make up covering accord to a intersection ’s focal point — should keep open unpleasant incline personal effects at bay .