Common Names: Octanoic acid, C8 Acid
Scientific Names: Octanoic acid
Caprylic acid, also known as octanoic acid, is a medium-chain fatty acid naturally occurring in sources like palm oil, coconut oil, and the milk of certain animals, including humans. This compound is commonly a component of medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) products and is believed to potentially offer anti-inflammatory properties. Caprylic acid is widely used in health, cosmetics, and industry due to its unique properties. It serves as a dietary supplement, potentially aiding in weight management and is part of ketogenic diets for treating epilepsy in children. In cosmetics, caprylic acid acts as an antioxidant and contributes to skincare products. Its antimicrobial properties make it useful in surface sanitization for food and healthcare industries. With an oily texture, caprylic acid is valued in cosmetic formulations, providing smoothness to products like creams, moisturizers, and lipsticks. Its colorless and odorless nature, along with stability, adds to its appeal in various applications, including the commercial production of esters and perfumes. Despite its multiple uses, including the management of conditions such as epilepsy, essential tremor, kidney failure, and digestive disorders, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy for these applications remains inconclusive.