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Caprylhydroxamic Acid

A natural chelating preservative of a new generation — suppresses the growth of bacteria and fungi by binding metal ions necessary for their survival. Effective in combination with 1,2-Hexanediol at neutral pH. Minimal irritation.

PreservativeChelator1,2-HexanediolNatural

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Caprylhydroxamic Acid — a derivative of caprylic acid (C8:0) with a hydroxamic group (-CO-NH-OH). Mechanism of preservative action: chelation of metal ions (Fe²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺) necessary for bacterial and fungal enzymes → bacteriostatic and fungistatic action. Effective against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and Candida. Usually used in combination with 1,2-Hexanediol for comprehensive protection. Effective pH: 4.5–7.5.

"Clean" cosmetic formulas without traditional preservatives (phenoxyethanol, parabens). Popular in K-beauty and "natural" formulas.

Key Benefits

✦

Broad-spectrum protection at neutral pH

Unlike organic acids (benzoic, sorbic) — effective only at low pH — Caprylhydroxamic Acid works in the pH range of 4.5–7.5. This allows its use in creams, serums, and lotions with neutral pH, where traditional "clean" preservatives are ineffective.

◈

Synergy with 1,2-Hexanediol — full spectrum coverage

CHA + 1,2-Hexanediol (usually in a ratio of 1:3–1:5) — a standard "clean" preservation system for Asian and "natural" cosmetics. 1,2-Hexanediol enhances the penetration of CHA through the cell membrane of microorganisms. Together they provide protection without phenoxyethanol and parabens.

✧

Minimal skin irritation

Compared to phenoxyethanol and MIT/MCIT, Caprylhydroxamic Acid shows lower irritation potential in patch tests. Complies with EU Cosmetics Regulation. Not classified as an allergen or endocrine disruptor. Well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Suitable for

Sensitive skinAll skin typesSkin prone to reactions to preservatives

Main Actions

✓ Preservation (chelation of metals)✓ Antibacterial action✓ Antifungal action

Clean preservatives — reality vs marketing

"Preservative-free" on the packaging means the absence of traditional preservatives (parabens, phenoxyethanol) in the INCI list — but the product still has protection. CHA + 1,2-Hexanediol, pentylene glycol, or levulinic acid + sodium anisate — alternative systems. They are not automatically "safer," but have a different structure and a lower sensitivity rating in studies.

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