The ingredient, explained

Capryloyl Salicylic Acid

A split-face study tested capryloyl salicylic acid as a professional peel.

BHA exfoliantAnti-inflammatory

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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

A lipophilic salicylic acid derivative used as an exfoliant.

About this ingredient: EU CosIng ingredient registry (via Open Beauty Facts taxonomy) ↗

BHA exfoliant: Cosmetic exfoliant category commonly used for salicylic acid. The cosmetic term BHA does not by itself establish the chemical structure or a finished product's effects.
Anti-inflammatory: Research category concerning reduced inflammation. A discovery tag does not establish that an ingredient treats inflammation at the amount used in a product.

Function definitions: FDA: Beta hydroxy acids ↗ · National Cancer Institute: Anti-inflammatory definition ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Human topical research

Fine lines and pigmentation improved from baseline, with no significant difference from glycolic-acid peels.

What this does not tell us

The study used 5-10% peels and had no vehicle control; it cannot establish effects of everyday cosmetic concentrations.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 19146601 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Read exact local candidate abstracts first; select identity-relevant papers; targeted primary PubMed/publisher searches. This is not an exhaustive systematic review.