Caprylic Acid

Other names: Caprylic acid, N-octanoic acid, Oxtylic acid, Heptanecarboxylic acid

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Caprylic acid, also known as N-octanoic acid, Oxtylic acid or Heptanecarboxylic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with eight carbons. It is immiscible with water but mixes well with organic solvents. Caprylic acid is a colourless, oily liquid with an unpleasant odour.

This acid occurs naturally in the milk of some mammals, including cows, goats, and humans. It is also found in coconut oil and palm kernel oil, but in smaller amounts. Caprylic acid has a number of industrial uses. It is used in the food industry as an ingredient in baked goods and confectionery due to its preservative properties. In cosmetics, it is used to make soaps, shampoos and perfumes. In medicine, this acid is used in the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis, and also in the treatment of chronic and acute infections. In veterinary medicine, it is used as part of disinfectants and antibacterial preparations.