Preservative

Caprylhydroxamic Acid

INCI · Caprylhydroxamic Acid · also CHA, Octanohydroxamic acid

Revelika safety grade

Overview

A hydroxamic acid used to keep formulas microbiologically stable, chiefly by binding the trace metal ions that moulds and yeasts need in order to grow. It is nearly always paired with a glycol such as glyceryl caprylate or propanediol rather than used alone.

Who it's for

Anyone seeking products preserved without parabens or formaldehyde releasers. It is a formulation choice, not a benefit to skin.

Cautions

It is a preservation aid rather than a broad-spectrum preservative in its own right, so its presence says little about how well a product is actually protected. Marketing sometimes offers it as evidence of a "clean" formula, which is a positioning claim and not a safety finding.

Suitability
Suits skin type
Dry Oily Combination Sensitive Acne-prone Mature Normal
Concentration
Concentration0 – 10%
Effective from
Max safe
In the glossary
Frequently asked
What does Caprylhydroxamic Acid do in skincare?

A hydroxamic acid used to keep formulas microbiologically stable, chiefly by binding the trace metal ions that moulds and yeasts need in order to grow. It is nearly always paired with a glycol such as glyceryl caprylate or propanediol rather than used alone.

Is Caprylhydroxamic Acid considered safe for skin?

It is a preservation aid rather than a broad-spectrum preservative in its own right, so its presence says little about how well a product is actually protected. Marketing sometimes offers it as evidence of a "clean" formula, which is a positioning claim and not a safety finding.

RRevelika

A science-forward beauty ingredient encyclopedia. Every entry is written from published research and graded conservatively before it publishes.

Editorial standard

Content is educational, not medical advice. When evidence is uncertain we say so — and we default to caution on pregnancy safety.

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© 2026 REVELIKA · Built by ThirteenTabsEvidence-based · written from published research, graded conservatively