Ethyl Undecylenate

Ethyl undecylenate is the ethyl ester of undecylenic acid used in formulations as a lightweight, dry-touch emollient. It's selected for a soft-matte, less-greasy finish that improves spreadability in primers, sunscreens, and oil-control care.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A lightweight emollient that gives skin a soft-matte finish.
Category
Oil Control, Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Helps reduce the look of surface shine for a soft‑matte finish while keeping skin comfortable. Effects are mainly aesthetic; sustained oil-control benefits beyond feel are not well substantiated.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in mattifying moisturizers, oil-control serums, and setting gels to deliver a dry-touch finish. Also incorporated into lightweight body lotions for quick absorption.

Comedogenic Rating

Ethyl Undecylenate has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.

Safety

Usually low in irritation, but its matte, fast‑evaporating feel can accentuate dryness or sensitivity; patch test if reactive. No widely established regulatory constraints for cosmetic leave‑on products.

Is Ethyl Undecylenate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair: offers a dry-touch, soft‑matte finish and improves spreadability, but strong evidence for sustained oil control is limited. May feel drying and could trigger mild irritation on sensitive or barrier‑impaired skin.

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