Labrasol®

A nonionic oil-in-water surfactant used as solubilizer in topical formulations.

Names and synonyms

USP NF Name

Caprylocaproyl Polyoxyl-8 glycerides

EP Name

Caprylocaproyl macrogol-8 glycerides

UNII Code (FDA)

00BT03FSO2

Preferred Substance Name (FDA)

PEG-8 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES

Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients

Polyoxylglycerides

Chemical description

Consists of a small fraction of mono-, di- and triglycerides and mainly PEG-8 (MW 400) mono- and diesters of caprylic (C8) and capric (C10) acids

Key characteristics

Product form

Liquid

Viscosity (mPa.s)

80 – 110 (20°C)

CMC (mg/L, 25°C)

42 ±24

HLB

12

Main functionalities

Solubilizer and O/W surfactant for microemulsion. Able to form light foams with pump device (no gas required). Safety of use is inferred by extensive toxicological evaluations and precedence of use.

Main formulation technologies

Topical gel, microemulsion, and foam. Solutions, suspensions.