Ingredient | Lipo-BHA Derivative
Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA)
INCI · Capryloyl Salicylic Acid
Related names and forms: LHA. This list does not indicate synonyms or exact ingredient matches.
Capryloyl salicylic acid (INCI: Capryloyl Salicylic Acid; LHA) is an oil-loving (lipophilic) derivative made by adding a caprylic (octanoyl, C8) chain to salicylic acid. This structure makes it a more targeted relative, not the same as salicylic acid. Its affinity for oil allows it to work at the surface and around pores, and in some contexts it is described as having a more gradual profile. It is generally used at low concentrations in serums and cleansers marketed for pore and texture appearance. Its relationship to the salicylate family calls for context-sensitive consideration in profiles with known salicylate sensitivity. It appears on labels as Capryloyl Salicylic Acid and has a verified PubChem record (CID 9838158, C15H20O4; confirmed using CAS 78418-01-6 and the synonym "beta-Lipohydroxy acid"). Because the record title is n-Octanoyl-5-salicylic acid rather than the INCI name, its identity was linked by cross-checking the synonyms and CAS number. Klaris considers LHA alongside concentration, pH, its relationship to salicylic acid and the formula's approach to pores.
i. Cosmetic Functions
Frequently Discussed Effects
The following headings summarise areas of effect frequently discussed in the literature; visible results in each area require regular use and a suitable formula.
Lipophilic Surface Renewal
Its oil-loving structure makes it an exfoliant working in the context of surface and pore-area texture appearance.
A Targeted, Gradual Profile
Its individual-cell shedding behaviour is described as a more gradual profile in some contexts.
Pore Appearance Context
Often chosen for formulas marketed for pore appearance and smoothness.
Mechanism
What Happens Within the Skin?
The following points summarise mechanisms from dermocosmetic literature in plain English. Klaris presents them as background information to help readers understand the context, not as medical claims.
Step 1
Lipophilic Salicylic Acid Derivative
An oil-loving derivative made by adding a caprylic (octanoyl) chain to salicylic acid. It is related to salicylic acid, not identical.
Step 2
Oil-Loving Surface and Pore Activity
Its affinity for oil allows it to work in the context of surface and pore-area texture appearance.
Step 3
A Targeted, Gradual Profile
In some contexts, it is described as having a more gradual profile, distinct from salicylic acid.
Step 4
Salicylate Relationship
Its relationship to the salicylate family calls for context-sensitive consideration in profiles with known salicylate sensitivity.
Step 5
Pore Appearance Context
Often chosen for formulas marketed for pore appearance and smoothness in oily or comedone-prone profiles.
ii. Role in the Formula
How Is It Read on a Label?
LHA is an oil-loving exfoliant close to the salicylic acid family, generally used at low concentrations in serums and cleansers marketed for pore and texture appearance. Its effect depends on pH and the formulation context. Its relationship to the salicylate family calls for context-sensitive consideration in profiles with salicylate sensitivity.
A Closer Look · pH, Stability, Synergy
LHA is an oil-loving ingredient close to the salicylic acid family, generally used at low concentrations in serums and cleansers marketed for pore and texture appearance. Klaris takes care not to describe LHA as a copy of salicylic acid. Structurally, a caprylic chain is added to salicylic acid, and the resulting affinity for oil makes it a distinct derivative considered more targeted and, in some contexts, more gradual. It is neither identical to salicylic acid nor definitively superior to it. The two offer different profiles, and context is decisive. Their relationship within the salicylate family means labels need context-sensitive consideration for people with known salicylate sensitivity. There is also an identity nuance in the reference: LHA is a semi-synthetic, patented derivative whose PubChem record title, n-Octanoyl-5-salicylic acid, is not its INCI name. Its identity was therefore linked by cross-checking synonyms and the CAS number. The synonym list includes Capryloyl Salicylic Acid, CAS 78418-01-6 and beta-Lipohydroxy acid, confirming that the record matches the ingredient (CID 9838158). When assessing an LHA product, Klaris considers concentration, pH, its relationship to salicylic acid and the formula's approach to pores as a whole.
Typical Concentration Range
Low concentrations (generally 0.1% - 2%)
Ingredient Family
Acids
iii. Sensitivity Advisory
A Note on Extra Care in Context
As a salicylate derivative, it may be more appropriate to review the label with your doctor if you have a known salicylate sensitivity. Daytime sun protection in exfoliating routines and gradual use for sensitive profiles are measured approaches.
A sensitivity advisory is not an instruction for use; where individual health circumstances, pregnancy or known sensitivities are involved, discussing the decision with your doctor may be a more contextual approach.
Common Misconceptions
Frequently Confused Points
Common Belief
LHA is the same as salicylic acid.
A More Contextual Reading
LHA is an oil-loving derivative with a caprylic chain added to salicylic acid. It is related, but not the same molecule. Its affinity for oil gives it a more targeted, distinct profile.
Common Belief
LHA is always stronger or better than salicylic acid.
A More Contextual Reading
The two ingredients offer different profiles. LHA may be considered more targeted or gradual, but it is not definitively superior. Suitability depends on profile, concentration and the whole formula.
Common Belief
Because it is oil-loving, it is suitable only for very oily skin.
A More Contextual Reading
Its affinity for oil relates to how LHA works at the surface and around pores. Suitability is not limited to one skin type, but considered through concentration and the formulation context.
Common Belief
People with salicylate sensitivity can use LHA without concern.
A More Contextual Reading
LHA is close to the salicylate family. With known salicylate sensitivity, comfortable use is not automatically assumed; the label is considered in context and, if needed, reviewed with a specialist.
Scientific Basis
Sources and Their Scope
The following headings indicate areas of research; they are not citations of a specific publication or confirmation that every statement on this page has been verified. The links provided should be read with their individual scope in mind.
- International INCI / CosIng database
- Dermocosmetic research publications
- Formulation chemistry guides
Source Links
- Database RecordPubChem | Capryloyl Salicylic Acid / LHA Record (Title: n-Octanoyl-5-salicylic acid; Linked by CAS Cross-Check) (CID 9838158)
Database records provide ingredient identity and registration information; on their own, they do not establish the effect of a finished product or its suitability for a profile. Search links are not specific research papers.
iv. Related Ingredients
Ingredients Often Read Together
v. Acids Family
Other Ingredients in the Same Family
Explore ingredients in the same functional family to deepen your reading of formulas.
vi. Academy · Related Reading
For a Closer Look
vii. Related Concern Guides
Guides That Include This Ingredient
Klaris · Example Analyses
How Does Capryloyl Salicylic Acid (LHA) Feature
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