Caprylhydroxamic Acid-Cosmetic Grade Chelating Agent（CAS 7377-03-9）
Product Name: Caprylhydroxamic Acid
Chemical Name: N-Hydroxyoctanamide / Octanohydroxamic Acid / Caprylohydroxamic Acid
Alternative Names: CHA, Caprylyl Hydroxamic Acid, N-Hydroxycaprylamide, Octanehydroxamic Acid, Caprylohydroxamic Acid
INCI Name: CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID
CAS No.: 7377-03-9
EINECS No.: 230-938-8
Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₇NO₂
Molecular Weight: 159.23 g/mol
Chemical Class: Hydroxamic acid derivative / Organic chelating agent / Fatty acid derivative
Source / Origin: Synthetic production from caprylic acid (octanoic acid) and hydroxylamine; caprylic acid can be derived from coconut oil
Purity: ≥99.0% (GC), Cosmetic Grade
Also Available: 98% purity grade, pre-blended preservative systems
Appearance: White to Off-White Crystalline Powder
Odor: Slight characteristic odor or odorless
Solubility: Soluble in propylene glycol, butylene glycol, glycerin, ethanol and oils; slightly soluble in water; insoluble in water at neutral pH
pH Effective Range: 2.0 - 9.0
Melting Point: ~75-80°C
Loss on Drying: ≤0.5%
Residue on Ignition: ≤0.1%
Heavy Metals (as Pb): ≤10 ppm
Arsenic (As): ≤2 ppm
Key Characteristics: Multi-functional chelating agent and preservative booster, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity via metal ion chelation, highly effective against molds and yeasts, works across wide pH range (2-9), excellent for neutral pH formulations, mild and non-irritating, clean label friendly, "no traditional preservatives" claimable, synergistic with other antimicrobials
Storage Condition: Sealed, dry, cool and well-ventilated place, protect from light and moisture, store at room temperature
Shelf Life: 24 Months under proper storage conditions
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): 100g (sample), 1KG (standard)
Application: Multi-functional chelating agent and preservative booster for cosmetics and personal care products; used in creams, lotions, serums, toners, masks, shampoos, body washes, anhydrous formulations and clean beauty / preservative-free claim systems
Caprylhydroxamic Acid, CHA, Cosmetic Grade Chelating Agent, Natural Preservative, Antimicrobial Agent, Clean Beauty Preservative, Preservative Booster
Caprylhydroxamic Acid-Cosmetic Grade Chelating Agent（CAS 7377-03-9）
Cosmetic Grade Caprylhydroxamic Acid (CHA) is a high-purity multi-functional ingredient that has revolutionized modern clean beauty and natural cosmetic formulation. As a hydroxamic acid derivative, it functions as both an effective chelating agent and a mild preservative booster, offering a skin-friendly alternative to traditional preservatives.
Unlike classic preservatives that kill microorganisms directly, Caprylhydroxamic Acid works through an elegant nutrient-withdrawal mechanism: its hydroxamic acid group selectively binds metal ions—particularly iron and copper—that bacteria and fungi require for their metabolism and growth. By sequestering these essential nutrients, it inhibits microbial proliferation without disrupting skin barrier or causing irritation. This unique mode of action makes it highly effective across a broad pH range (2-9), including neutral pH environments where many traditional acid-based preservatives lose efficacy. It is particularly potent against molds and yeasts, and shows excellent synergy when combined with other antimicrobials like phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, or pentylene glycol. With its exceptional safety profile, clean label appeal, and versatility, Caprylhydroxamic Acid has become a cornerstone ingredient for formulators developing preservative-free, clean beauty, and sensitive skin formulations.
Key Benefits
• Unique Chelation Mechanism: Inhibits microbial growth via metal ion sequestration, skin-friendly and non-disruptive to skin microbiome.
• Broad-Spectrum Antimicrobial: Effective against bacteria, molds and yeasts, particularly potent against fungi like Aspergillus niger.
• Wide pH Compatibility: Active across pH 2-9, works well in neutral pH formulations where many preservatives fail.
• Clean Label Friendly: Can be used in "no traditional preservatives" or "preservative-free" claim products.
• Mild & Non-Irritating: Excellent skin tolerance, low irritation potential, suitable for sensitive skin.
• Preservative Booster: Synergizes with other antimicrobials, reducing required concentrations of traditional preservatives.
• Powerful Chelating Agent: Binds iron, copper and other metal ions, prevents formulation oxidation and discoloration.
• Antioxidant Support: By chelating free iron ions, prevents Fenton reaction and free radical generation.
• Versatile Formulation Compatibility: Compatible with most cosmetic ingredients, surfactants and active ingredients.
• Suitable for Anhydrous Formulas: Effective in both aqueous and anhydrous formulations, rare for preservatives.
• Biodegradable: Environmentally friendly, aligns with sustainable and green cosmetic trends.
• High Purity: ≥99% cosmetic grade, consistent quality, reliable performance batch after batch.
Applications
• Clean Beauty & Preservative-Free Products: Key ingredient for "no traditional preservatives" or "preservative-free" claim formulations.
• Creams & Lotions: Preservative booster and chelating agent in moisturizing creams, day creams, night creams and body lotions.
• Serums & Essences: Chelating agent and preservative system component in facial serums, brightening essences and anti-aging serums.
• Toners & Floral Waters: Ideal preservative for toners, hydrosols, floral waters and water-based products where traditional preservatives struggle.
• Masks & Sheet Masks: Preservative system in facial masks, sheet masks and leave-on mask products.
• Shampoos & Body Washes: Chelating agent and preservative booster in shampoos, body washes, shower gels and cleansing products.
• Sensitive Skin & Baby Care: Gentle preservative option for sensitive skin, baby care and hypoallergenic formulations.
• Anhydrous Formulations: Effective preservative for anhydrous products like balms, oils and oil-based serums.
• Custom Preservative Blends: Supports customized development of combined preservative systems with other antimicrobials for enhanced broad-spectrum protection.
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Standard Specification | Test Result |
Product Name | Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Compliant |
INCI Name | CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID | Compliant |
CAS No. | 7377-03-9 | Compliant |
EINECS No. | 230-938-8 | Compliant |
Appearance | White to Off-White Crystalline Powder | Compliant |
Odor | Slight characteristic or odorless | Compliant |
Purity (Assay by GC) | ≥99.0% | 99.52% |
Molecular Formula | C₈H₁₇NO₂ | Compliant |
Molecular Weight | 159.23 g/mol | Compliant |
Identification (IR) | Conforms to reference standard | Compliant |
Melting Point | 75 - 80°C | 77.5°C |
Loss on Drying | ≤0.5% | 0.18% |
Residue on Ignition | ≤0.1% | 0.05% |
pH Effective Range | 2.0 - 9.0 | Compliant |
Solubility in PG | Clear solution (10% in PG) | Clear, fully soluble |
Chelating Value (Fe³⁺) | ≥250 mg Fe³⁺/g | 278 mg/g |
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤10 ppm | <5 ppm |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm |
Lead (Pb) | ≤2 ppm | <0.3 ppm |
Mercury (Hg) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1 ppm | <0.1 ppm |
Total Aerobic Count | ≤100 CFU/g | <10 CFU/g |
Yeast & Mold | ≤10 CFU/g | <1 CFU/g |
E. coli | Negative | Negative |
Salmonella | Negative | Negative |
Staphylococcus aureus | Negative | Negative |
Pseudomonas aeruginosa | Negative | Negative |
Candida albicans | Negative | Negative |
Aspergillus niger | Negative | Negative |
Conclusion | Conforms to cosmetic grade quality standard | Qualified |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
• Q1: What is the MOQ of cosmetic grade Caprylhydroxamic Acid?
A1: The standard MOQ is 1KG, and 100g sample orders are supported for quality inspection and formulation testing.
• Q2: What purity grades and forms are available?
A2: We offer 98% and 99% purity grades of pure Caprylhydroxamic Acid powder. We also offer pre-blended preservative systems combining CHA with other antimicrobials like 1,2-hexanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, or phenoxyethanol for ready-to-use solutions.
• Q3: Is Caprylhydroxamic Acid approved for use in cosmetics globally?
A3: Yes, it is widely approved. It is listed in China IECIC, EU CosIng, and accepted by US CIR. It is a globally recognized cosmetic ingredient with an excellent safety profile (safety rating 1/5).
• Q4: What is the recommended usage level in cosmetics?
A4: Typical use level is 0.05-0.5% depending on product type and formulation pH. As a standalone preservative booster: 0.1-0.3%; in combination systems for full preservation: 0.05-0.2% paired with other antimicrobials. Always validate with challenge testing for your specific formulation.
• Q5: How should I properly incorporate Caprylhydroxamic Acid into my formulation?
A5: Caprylhydroxamic Acid is oil-soluble and best dissolved in the oil phase or in polyols like propylene glycol or butylene glycol before adding to the water phase. It can be added at room temperature or with gentle heating (40-50°C) for faster dissolution. It is compatible with both cold-process and hot-process formulations.
• Q6: What are the best synergistic combinations for a complete preservative system?
A6: Popular synergistic combinations include: 1) CHA + 1,2-Hexanediol + Ethylhexylglycerin (clean beauty classic); 2) CHA + Phenoxyethanol + Ethylhexylglycerin (broad spectrum enhanced); 3) CHA + Pentylene Glycol + p-Hydroxyacetophenone (mild and effective); 4) CHA + Caprylyl Glycol + Phenoxyethanol (Proextend-style system).
• Q7: How does it compare to traditional preservatives like parabens or phenoxyethanol?
A7: Key advantages: unique chelation mechanism, works at neutral pH, milder to skin, clean label friendly, can make "no traditional preservatives" claims, also functions as chelator and antioxidant booster. It is less potent as a standalone preservative compared to parabens, so it is usually combined with other antimicrobials for complete broad-spectrum protection.
• Q8: Do you support long-term stable large-batch supply?
A8: Yes, our production facility has sufficient capacity to ensure sustainable and stable bulk supply all year round, with consistent quality across batches. We also offer custom packaging and specification options for bulk customers.
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