Quick answer
Skin-softening agent with mild humectant (hydration boosting) properties; Multitasks with preservative capabilities to improve formulary stability; Also popular in deodorants where it has an inhibiting effect on odor-causing bacteria; Proven track record of safety; Pale to colorless liquid as a raw material Key benefits: Hydration.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Updated
1,2-Propanediol, 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)
Purpose
Skin-softening agent with hydration boosting properties. Also plays an important preservative role to help keep cosmetic formulas stable.
Rating
GOOD
Category
Preservative, Humectant
INCI Purpose
DEODORANT, SKIN CONDITIONING
Benefits
Alternative Names
Hair Profile
Functions
At a Glance
Skin-softening agent with mild humectant (hydration boosting) properties
Multitasks with preservative capabilities to improve formulary stability
Also popular in deodorants where it has an inhibiting effect on odor-causing bacteria
Proven track record of safety
Pale to colorless liquid as a raw material
Article
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic skin-softening agent. Ethylhexylglycerin can also be used as a preservative and carrier/suspending agent that boosts the efficacy of other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. It has been shown to have mild humectant properties leading to improved skin hydration without a sticky feel.
Ethylhexylglycerin is also popular in deodorant formulas where it has an inhibiting effect on odor-causing bacteria. Antibacterial action is also where it earns its keep as a preservative, but since it isn’t effective against other type of pathogens, it would always be used with more broad-spectrum preservatives.
As a raw material, ethylhexylglycerin is a pale to colorless liquid. It is formed by a condensation reaction between 2-ethyhexanol (an oil-like ingredient) and glycerin.
In 2013, the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed ethylhexylglycerin as safe used in up to 8% concentration in rinse-off products and up to 2% in leave-on formulas. Studies regarding sensitization patch tests of 5% ethylhexylglycerin show that reactions to this ingredient are very rare and their occurrence in a broad population is considered low risk.
See: Glycerin
References