Ethylhexyl Stearate

Ethylhexyl stearate is a silky emollient ester formed from 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid for cosmetic use. It cuts drag and tack, adds softness and glide, and helps dissolve oil-phase actives, fragrances, and some UV filters.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A silky emollient that softens skin and dissolves other ingredients.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

Moderate

Skin Benefits

Leaves skin feeling silky and conditioned while minimizing tackiness. Increases the elegance of textures for a smoother, more pleasant application.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Found in moisturizers, primers, sunscreens, and hair serums to solubilize oil‑phase components and improve the glide of formulas.

Comedogenic Rating

Ethylhexyl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 3. It has a moderate likelihood of clogging pores, especially for acne-prone skin.

Safety

Low likelihood of irritation for most users and commonly well tolerated. No widely recognized cosmetic regulatory restrictions at typical use levels.

Is Ethylhexyl Stearate a Good Ingredient?

Reliable emollient that improves glide and reduces tack while aiding solubilization of oil‑phase ingredients, meriting a Good rating for sensory improvement and formulation utility. It is typically stable and broadly compatible across product types.

Products with Ethylhexyl Stearate

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