Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Emollient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate at a glance
- Ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid
- Emollient that helps skin retain moisture
- Enhances texture of formulas
- Deemed as safe for use in cosmetics
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate description
Cetyl ethylhexanoate is an emollient skin care ingredient that helps skin retain moisture. It’s an ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, appearing as a colorless liquid as a raw material. Beyond this, it’s insoluble in water. In addition to its skin conditioning properties, cetyl ethylhexanoate helps to thicken products and enhance texture, lending a velvety finish. It’s often used in lipsticks and rinse-off products. In cosmetics, it can be found in percentages of anywhere from 0.5 to 77.3%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed it safe for use in cosmetics when properly formulated to not irritate skin. This ingredient may be animal- or plant-derived or synthetic. Paula’s Choice uses the synthetic or plant-derived sources.