Octyl gallate is the ester of 1-octanol and gallic acid.

As a food additive, it is used under the E number E311 as an antioxidant and preservative.

Octyl gallate is a white powder with a characteristic odor.

Octyl gallate darkens in the presence of iron.

This antioxidant is used in numerous pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products; such as soaps, shampoos, shaving soaps, skin lotions, deodorants, margarine, and peanut butter.