Ingredient
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Low risk
FunctionLHA Exfoliant
Capryloyl salicylic acid (LHA, lipohydroxy acid) is salicylic acid with a fatty caprylic tail. The tail slows its penetration and keeps it in the outermost layer, so it loosens dead cells cell-by-cell rather than in sheets — the reason derm brands reach for it in sensitive-skin exfoliators. It is active at the skin's own pH, unlike glycolic or lactic acid which need a low-pH formula to work.
Why we grade it Low: EWG-style low. Larger and more oil-loving than salicylic acid, it works slowly at the surface and at skin-neutral pH, making it one of the mildest exfoliating acids in use.
Cross-reference
Found in these DHALIORA products
Found in 1 DHALIORA product
How grades are set — Risk reflects our own reading of publicly available safety data, an EWG-style reading shown at the worst-case grade we've assigned this ingredient across products. It isn't a third party's proprietary score, and it isn't medical advice. Always read the packaging and patch-test where indicated.
← Back to the ingredient glossary