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Ethylhexylglycerin is a non‑ionic alkyl glycerol ether commonly used as a skincare preservative enhancer, humectant, and emollient.
Ethylhexylglycerin provides antimicrobial boosting activity, helps reduce preservative load, and enhances skin conditioning—a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetics.
CAS Number: 70445‑33‑9
EC Number: 408‑080‑2
Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₄O₃
Molecular Weight: 204.31 g/mol
Synonyms: Ethylhexylglycerin, Octoxyglycerin, 3‑[(2‑Ethylhexyl)oxy]‑1,2‑propanediol, 3‑(2‑Ethylhexyloxy)propan‑1,2‑diol, Ethylhexyl glycerin, Ethyl‑hexyl‑glycerin, EHG, Glyceryl ether Ethylhexylglycerin, Vegetable-derived Ethylhexylglycerin, Plant‑derived Ethylhexylglycerin, Skin friendly Ethylhexylglycerin, Cosmetic Ethylhexylglycerin, Personal care Ethylhexylglycerin, Deodorizing agent Ethylhexylglycerin, Humectant Ethylhexylglycerin, Preservative booster Ethylhexylglycerin, Sensiva SC 50 (Ethylhexylglycerin), Lexgard EHG Ethylhexylglycerin, Microcare Emollient EHG, Penetol GE‑EH Ethylhexylglycerin, Non‑paraben preservative Ethylhexylglycerin, Synthetic glycerol ether Ethylhexylglycerin, Mild skin conditioner Ethylhexylglycerin, Emollient Ethylhexylglycerin, Humectant glycerin ether, Surfactant Ethylhexylglycerin, Deodorizing Ethylhexylglycerin, Skin softening Ethylhexylglycerin, Botanical Ethylhexylglycerin, Low‑charge agent Ethylhexylglycerin, Fluid Ethylhexylglycerin, Clear liquid Ethylhexylglycerin, Ethylhexylglycerin, Octoxyglycerin, 3‑[(2‑Ethylhexyl)oxy]‑1,2‑propanediol, EHG, Ethyl‑hexyl glyceryl ether, Skin-conditioning glycerol ether, Conditioner humectant
APPLICATIONS
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in deodorants as a mild yet effective deodorizing agent.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in skin creams to improve skin feel and moisturization.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in facial cleansers for its skin-conditioning benefits.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in wet wipes as a gentle preservative booster.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in hand sanitizers to reduce skin dryness and irritation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in shampoos for its antimicrobial protection and mildness.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to baby products for gentle preservation and moisturization.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in sun care formulas to improve stability and skin compatibility.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in antiperspirants to enhance formula texture and glide.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in facial serums to enhance spreadability and skin feel.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in makeup removers for gentle cleansing with skin benefits.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in body washes to boost preservative efficacy and reduce skin irritation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in hydrating mists for mild antimicrobial support.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in eye creams for its non-irritating moisturizing effect.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to face masks to provide both hydration and protection against contamination.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in toners to enhance skin compatibility and prolong shelf life.
Ethylhexylglycerin is incorporated into gels and serums to prevent microbial growth.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in makeup products to improve product longevity and safety.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to acne treatments for its antimicrobial support.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in leave-in hair conditioners for scalp comfort and microbial balance.
Ethylhexylglycerin is applied in after-shave balms for its soothing and protective effect.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in foot creams to reduce odor-causing bacteria.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in lip balms for hydration and mild preservation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to cuticle creams to prevent contamination and soften skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in intimate hygiene products for its gentle antimicrobial properties.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in solid soaps to reduce skin dryness after washing.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in body lotions to boost hydration and improve texture.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to facial oils for subtle antimicrobial protection.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in facial primers to maintain formulation integrity.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in tinted moisturizers for gentle skin conditioning.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in scalp treatments to reduce microbial irritation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in micellar waters to improve cleansing performance.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in stretch mark creams to maintain formula safety.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in under-eye patches for comfort and extended use.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in anti-aging creams for enhanced product stability.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in facial exfoliants to soothe and protect the skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in hair styling products to reduce microbial contamination.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in sports skincare for its sweat-resistant preservation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in overnight masks for sustained antimicrobial support.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in lipsticks to prevent microbial growth and enhance glide.
Ethylhexylglycerin is included in bronzers for its skin-smoothing benefits.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in facial powders to prevent bacterial build-up in packaging.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in roll-on deodorants for its effective skin tolerance.
Ethylhexylglycerin is added to travel-size personal care products to prolong shelf life.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in spa formulations for hygiene and skin comfort.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in hair coloring products to minimize scalp irritation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in cleansing milks for added preservation and skin care.
Ethylhexylglycerin is applied in gel-based sunscreens for mildness and microbial safety.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in facial cleansers to reduce the need for harsher preservatives.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in herbal cosmetics to protect active botanical ingredients.
Ethylhexylglycerin is widely used in moisturizers, lotions, facial serums, deodorants, and shampoos as a mild skin-conditioning agent.
Ethylhexylglycerin acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the upper layers of the skin, without feeling sticky or heavy.
Ethylhexylglycerin enhances antimicrobial efficacy of preservatives (e.g. phenoxyethanol), enabling lower use concentrations and extending product shelf life.
Ethylhexylglycerin is incorporated into deodorants and antiperspirants to inhibit bacterial growth and reduce odor formation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in various rinse‑off and leave‑on formulations (0.3–1 %) without destabilizing emulsions.
Ethylhexylglycerin is compatible with diverse surfactants and formulation systems, including sensitive skin and natural products.
DESCRIPTION
Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional cosmetic ingredient derived from glycerin and 2-ethylhexanol.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a clear, colorless liquid known for its preservative-boosting properties.
Ethylhexylglycerin enhances the efficacy of conventional preservatives, allowing for lower concentrations.
Ethylhexylglycerin has mild antimicrobial activity, especially against gram-positive bacteria.
Ethylhexylglycerin acts as a humectant, helping retain moisture in cosmetic formulations.
Ethylhexylglycerin improves the skin feel of formulations by reducing tackiness.
Ethylhexylglycerin is non-sensitizing and well-tolerated even on sensitive skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin is compatible with a wide range of personal care ingredients.
Ethylhexylglycerin is used in both rinse-off and leave-on applications.
Ethylhexylglycerin is often preferred in natural and mild personal care formulations due to its dual function.
Ethylhexylglycerin is synthesized via alkylation of glycerin with 2‑ethylhexanol to form a glycerol ether with two hydroxyl groups.
The substance is biodegradable, derived from plant-based glycerin sources (e.g. palm or soy), and considered eco-friendly.
Ethylhexylglycerin exhibits excellent skin tolerability and is non‑sensitizing at typical use levels (≤ 1 %) but may cause irritation over 5 % or in sensitive individuals.
Ethylhexylglycerin remains stable across pH 2–12 systems and does not contribute to emulsion phase separation at typical use levels.
Ethylhexylglycerin is considered safe by CIR and has EWG safety score 1 and Paula’s Choice rating “GOOD”.
PROPERTIES
Chemical Formula: C₁₁H₂₄O₃
Molecular Weight: 204.31 g/mol
Appearance: Clear to pale‑yellow viscous liquid
Odor: Mild, slight characteristic odor
Density: ~0.95–0.96 g/cm³ at 20 °C
Melting Point: < −76 °C
Boiling Point: ~325 °C @ 760 mmHg (estimated)
Flash Point: ~152 °C (closed cup)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water (~0.5–1 g/L at 20 °C), soluble in alcohols and glycols
Viscosity: ~144 mPa·s @ 20 °C
Stability: Stable under ambient conditions when protected from heat, light, and air
Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed container in cool, dry place away from light and moisture
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms occur.
Skin Contact:
Wash thoroughly with soap and water; remove contaminated clothing; seek medical advice if irritation develops.
Eye Contact:
Rinse gently with water for > 15 minutes; remove contact lenses if possible; seek immediate medical attention due to serious eye damage potential (H318).
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth; do not induce vomiting; seek medical attention if significant ingestion or symptoms appear.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically; chemical is classified H318 (serious eye damage) and H412 (harmful to aquatic life) per GHS classification.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use in well-ventilated area; wear gloves, goggles, and protective clothing; avoid inhalation or contact with eyes and skin.
Storage:
Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated place; containers must be tightly closed and protected from heat and light; keep away from ignition sources.
Spill Response:
Contain and collect spills with inert absorbent; prevent release to waterways; clean area thoroughly and ventilate.
Disposal:
Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local environmental regulations; avoid release into environment due to aquatic toxicity classification (H412)
