What Is Capryloyl Dipeptide-17?
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 is a small lab-made molecule created by linking a short two-amino-acid chain called Dipeptide-17 with capryloyl chloride, an oil-friendly part derived from coconut or palm oil. By joining these two pieces chemists give the peptide a fatty tail that helps it mix with the skin’s own oils and stay stable in creams and serums.
Peptides began turning heads in beauty labs in the late 1990s for their skin-refreshing promise. As researchers searched for ways to help peptides travel through the skin’s outer layer they found that adding a capryloyl group improved both grip and glide. Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 soon appeared in prototype anti-aging blends and hair care sprays then made its way into commercial lines as suppliers refined its production and safety testing.
Making the ingredient starts with standard peptide synthesis, where the two amino acids are linked in a precise order. The finished dipeptide is then reacted with capryloyl chloride in a controlled setting to attach the fatty chain. After purification the powder is ready for use in cosmetic formulas.
Today Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 pops up in lightweight moisturizers, firming serums, leave-on hair conditioners, eye creams, soothing masks and targeted spot treatments where a smooth feel and gentle conditioning boost are wanted.
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multitasker supports both skin and hair in several ways:
- Hair conditioning: Helps soften strands, reduce static and add a silky finish making combing easier
- Skin conditioning: Leaves the skin surface feeling smoother and more supple for a refreshed look
- Emollient: Forms a light layer that traps moisture and improves the product’s spreadability without a greasy feel
- Skin protecting: Creates a thin shield that can guard against everyday stressors such as wind and pollution contributing to healthier looking skin over time
Who Can Use Capryloyl Dipeptide-17
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 is considered friendly for most skin types. Its light emollient character suits normal, dry and combination complexions while the small molecular size keeps the finish non-greasy enough for oily or acne-prone skin. People with very reactive or allergy-prone skin may prefer to start with lower concentrations since any new peptide can occasionally trigger sensitivity, but in standard formulas it is generally well tolerated.
The ingredient is synthesized in a lab from plant-derived caprylic acid and does not rely on animal sources, so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians as long as the finished product has not been tested on animals.
There is no evidence that Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 poses a special risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should clear any skincare routine with a qualified healthcare provider to be safe.
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 is not known to cause photosensitivity so it does not increase the skin’s vulnerability to sunlight. Standard daytime protection with sunscreen is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to topical Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 differ from person to person. The points below list potential side effects that have been reported in rare cases. Assuming the ingredient has been formulated correctly most users will not encounter these issues.
- Mild redness or warmth at the application site
- Transient itching or tingling as the product settles
- Dry patches if overused in very low-oil routines
- Temporary eye stinging if the formula migrates too close to the lash line
- Contact dermatitis in individuals allergic to peptides or coconut-derived fatty acids
If any discomfort persists stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for guidance.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 carries a short fatty chain that improves spreadability yet is used at very low levels and has a fast-absorbing, lightweight finish. It does not linger on the skin like heavier oils or butters, so it has little tendency to clog pores.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most formulations.
Formula context matters: if the peptide sits inside an oily balm or thick cream the overall product, not the peptide, could push the rating higher.
Summary
Capryloyl Dipeptide-17 conditions skin and hair, acts as an emollient, and lays down a fine protective film. The dipeptide segment helps support a smoother surface feel while the capryloyl tail anchors the molecule to the skin’s lipid layer trapping light moisture and reducing roughness.
It is a niche but growing ingredient showing up mainly in mid to high-end serums eye creams and leave-on conditioners where formulators want a silky touch without heaviness.
Current safety data and real-world use suggest it is very well tolerated with only rare reports of mild irritation. As with any new active do a quick patch test when trying a product that contains it just to stay on the safe side.