Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Also known as: Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Overview
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is a synthetic organosilane compound, not found naturally, primarily utilized in cosmetic and industrial applications. It functions as a surface modifier or coupling agent, enhancing the dispersion and stability of inorganic particles, such as titanium dioxide, within organic matrices. This makes it valuable in formulations like sunscreens and other cosmetics where improved adhesion and uniform distribution of ingredients are crucial. Its role is purely technological, aimed at improving product formulation rather than providing direct biological benefits. Research on this compound is largely focused on its safety as a cosmetic ingredient, with toxicological data primarily derived from animal studies and cosmetic ingredient safety panels, rather than human clinical trials for supplementation.
Benefits
There is no scientific evidence from high-quality clinical trials or meta-analyses supporting any health benefits of Triethoxycaprylylsilane as a dietary supplement or for human health. Its primary utility is as a technological additive in cosmetic and industrial formulations, where it functions as a surface modifier to improve ingredient dispersion and stability. No quantified outcomes or population-specific benefits have been documented in the scientific literature regarding its use as a supplement. Therefore, it is not considered a beneficial compound for human consumption.
How it works
Triethoxycaprylylsilane functions chemically as a surface modifier and coupling agent. It interacts with the surfaces of inorganic particles, such as pigments or UV filters, to alter their surface properties. This modification improves the compatibility and dispersion of these particles within organic liquids or polymers, preventing aggregation and enhancing the stability and uniformity of cosmetic formulations. It does not interact with biological systems in a beneficial way; instead, toxicological studies indicate potential adverse effects at high doses in animal models, suggesting no relevant biological pathways for supplementation.
Side effects
Triethoxycaprylylsilane is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. However, animal toxicology studies indicate potential adverse effects at high oral doses. In rat studies, doses of 1000 mg/kg/day or higher caused neurotoxicity, including white matter degeneration and peripheral nerve demyelination. A No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) was established at 300 mg/kg/day in rats. Other effects observed in animals at high doses include bladder epithelial hyperplasia and neuromuscular effects. There are no human data on side effects from oral ingestion, and its safety in pregnant or nursing individuals is unknown. Due to the observed toxicity in animal models at high doses, oral ingestion as a supplement is not recommended. No drug interactions or contraindications for human supplementation have been established, but caution is warranted given the animal toxicity.
Dosage
Triethoxycaprylylsilane has no established minimum effective dose or optimal dosage range for human health benefits, as it is not intended for use as a dietary supplement. Its application is primarily in topical cosmetic formulations. Animal studies suggest a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 300 mg/kg/day in rats, but human safety margins for oral ingestion are unknown. There are no timing considerations or form-specific recommendations for oral use. Systemic absorption is likely low when applied topically, but oral absorption data are limited. No cofactors are required for its intended use as a cosmetic ingredient.
FAQs
Is triethoxycaprylylsilane safe to ingest as a supplement?
No, there is no evidence supporting oral supplementation. Animal studies show toxicity at high doses, so ingestion is not recommended for human health.
Can it be used topically?
Yes, it is considered safe as a cosmetic ingredient at typical use levels in topical formulations.
Does it provide health benefits?
No, there is no clinical evidence to support any health benefits of triethoxycaprylylsilane for human consumption.
Is it a nutrient or vitamin?
No, it is a synthetic chemical compound used as a formulation aid in cosmetics, not a nutrient or vitamin.
Are there known side effects?
Animal studies show neurotoxicity and other effects at high doses. There are no human side effect data for oral ingestion.
Research Sources
- http://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alalsi122015Rep.pdf – This report from the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel reviewed animal toxicology studies of triethoxycaprylylsilane. It identified neurotoxicity at high oral doses in rats (≥1000 mg/kg/day), establishing a NOAEL of 300 mg/kg/day. The panel concluded it is safe for cosmetic use but did not support oral supplementation due to these findings.
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alalsi062016Tent.pdf – This tentative report from the CIR confirmed the safety of triethoxycaprylylsilane for topical use in cosmetics, noting no sensitization in guinea pig models. It reiterated the lack of human clinical trials or meta-analyses for supplementation or systemic effects, reinforcing its role as a cosmetic ingredient rather than a supplement.
