CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE is a mixture of esters made from C16–18 alkyl chains and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. In practice, the name covers long-chain cetearyl components linked to that acid; it is not a plant extract and it is not the same ingredient as free cetearyl alcohol.
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE: what it is
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE is a mixture of esters made from C16–18 alkyl chains and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. In practice, the name covers long-chain cetearyl components linked to that acid; it is not a plant extract and it is not the same ingredient as free cetearyl alcohol.
That chemical difference matters to texture: converting long-chain alcohols into esters produces an oily raw material intended for formulation. The name may also appear as cetearyl isooctanoate or as cetyl/stearyl 2-ethylhexanoate ester in chemical databases, because those names describe the same component family.
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE: what it does in cosmetics
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE is used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient. In a cosmetic, this kind of component can help the product spread more smoothly and leave the surface feeling less rough or dry; that does not mean it treats a skin condition.
It is also classified for hair conditioning, so it may be included when a formula aims to improve slip and the feel of the hair during application. The published safety assessment of alkyl ethylhexanoates covers the uses and concentrations it examined and assumes a non-irritating formulation; it does not test a clinical benefit from this ingredient alone.
CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE: conditions and care
The published assessment of alkyl ethylhexanoates applies to the uses and concentrations examined when the formula is non-irritating. It does not establish one concentration for every product.
Products containing this ingredient
See which products include it and the name used in each composition.
