What it is
In the register’s words: “Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer is a copolymer of capryloyl glycerin and sebacic acid monomers.”
- EU register name (INCI)
- CAPRYLOYL GLYCERIN/SEBACIC ACID COPOLYMER
- CAS number
- 1190099-88-7
- EC number
- -
What the register lists it for
These are the uses the European Commission’s CosIng register lists for Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer in any cosmetic, hair roles first. They say why a maker might add it, not what it does in one formula, and they aren’t a safety rating.
- Hair conditioning
-
The register’s hair role for ingredients that make hair feel softer, smoother or easier to comb. Most conditioners, masks and leave-ins list several.
Register definition: “Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.”
- Film forming
-
Leaves a thin, continuous film on the hair as it dries. Polymers in gels and foams carry it; the film is what feels like a cast.
Register definition: “Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.”
- Skin conditioning
-
The register’s broad role for ingredients that keep skin in good condition. On a hair label it often sits beside a hair role, or marks a plant oil or extract.
Register definition: “Maintaining the skin in good condition.”
- Skin protecting
-
Helps shield skin from outside factors. On a hair label it usually sits beside a conditioning role.
Register definition: “Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.”
Where it sits on each label
US labels list ingredients from most to least, except that those at 1% or less may follow in any order. A name near the top is a large part of the formula. A label doesn’t mark where the 1% point falls, so further down, the order says little about how much is in it.
- Deep conditioners 3 labels First five names: 0 of 3 Deep conditioners without it
- Leave-in conditioners 2 labels First five names: 0 of 2 Leave-in conditioners without it
- Protein treatments 1 label First five names: 0 of 1 Protein treatments without it
Every label, product by product (6)
- Cantu Ultra Moisture Nourishing Mask Deep conditioner 15th of 26 names
- Maui Moisture Heal & Hydrate + Shea Butter Hair Mask Deep conditioner 15th of 26 names
- Bouclème Intensive Moisture Treatment Deep conditioner 34th of 50 names
- Bouclème Curl Cream Leave-in conditioner 10th of 38 names
- Bouclème Fragrance Free Curl Cream Leave-in conditioner 12th of 17 names
- Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! MegaStrength+ Rice Water Protein + Moisture Strengthening Treatment Protein treatment · listed as Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer* 13th of 35 names
Each line runs from the first name on a label to the last; a dot is where this ingredient sits. Makers change formulas now and then; if the list on your bottle differs, go by your bottle.
Your next step
Other hair conditioning ingredients on these labels
- Glycerin 131 labels
- Panthenol 72 labels
- Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil 69 labels
- Behentrimonium Methosulfate 38 labels
- Caprylyl Glycol 37 labels
- Behentrimonium Chloride 34 labels
- Cocamidopropyl Betaine 34 labels
- Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil 34 labels
Updated · The name, numbers and uses come from the European Commission’s CosIng entry (CC BY 4.0); we write the uses in US spelling and put the hair ones first. The labels are each maker’s own. The order rule is the FDA’s Cosmetics Labeling Guide. All our sources are on the Sources page.