Ingredient dictionary

Dicaprylyl Carbonate

A light, silky ester oil made from a fatty alcohol and carbonic acid, used to soften skin and smooth out a formula. It is on the label of 45 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Dicaprylyl Carbonate does

Lightweight emollient that softens skin
Helps dissolve UV filters in sunscreens
Gives a silky, non-greasy feel
Helps other oils blend smoothly

Dicaprylyl Carbonate is an ester, a type of oil made when an alcohol and an acid join together. In this case the alcohol is a fatty alcohol from the caprylyl family, and the acid is carbonic acid. Manufacturers usually base the fatty alcohol on plant-derived raw materials. The finished ingredient is a clear, light oil with a mild feel.

Formulators use it because it spreads easily and leaves a soft, dry-feeling finish instead of a heavy film. It is also a good solvent for many UV filters, which helps them blend evenly into sunscreens. In cleansers and body lotions it helps other oils blend smoothly, and it can help loosen makeup and oily buildup. It suits products that need richness without weight.

Good for

Suits anyone who wants a light, silky oil that doesn't feel heavy, and it often appears in sunscreens, cleansers, and body lotions.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dicaprylyl Carbonate greasy?

No. It is one of the lighter oils used in skincare. It spreads thin and sinks in fairly quickly, so it leaves a soft, silky feel rather than a heavy film. The final feel of a product also depends on its other ingredients.

Can Dicaprylyl Carbonate irritate sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated and is not flagged in our ingredient checks. Any ingredient can still bother a few people, though, so patch test a new product on a small area first. This matters most if you react easily to oils or esters.