Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate is a branched-chain emollient ester produced by esterifying cetearyl alcohol (a C16–C18 fatty alcohol blend) with 2-ethylhexanoic (octanoic) acid. The branched 2-ethylhexyl moiety lowers viscosity and crystallinity, yielding a lightweight, fast-spreading lipid that improves slip, reduces tack, and enhances the sensorial profile of creams, lotions, and sunscreens without greasiness. In skin-care emulsions, it functions as a dry-touch emollient and oil-phase carrier for lipophilic actives and UV filters, helping optimize spreadability and film formation while minimizing “soaping”/whitening during rub-in. Formulators also leverage it as a pigment-wetting aid in color cosmetics to boost uniform dispersion and payoff.
In hair care, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate forms a thin lubricating film on the cuticle that decreases fiber-fiber friction to improve wet and dry combability and reduce static/flyaways without weight or buildup — useful for fine or low-porosity hair. Its oxidative stability and light sensory profile make it a practical substitute for heavier natural wax esters in leave-in conditioners, serums, and anti-frizz stylers, and it also serves as a solvent/vehicle for oil-soluble actives in scalp treatments.
Quick Insights
Ingredient Rating:
GOOD
Type of Ingredient:
Emollient, Texture Enhancer, Conditioner and Solvent
Intended Function:
Lightweight emollient/solvent that enhances spreadability, slip, and pigment or UV-filter dispersion in leave-on and rinse-off systems.
Common Applications:
Face and body lotions/creams, sunscreens, foundations, lipsticks, makeup removers, hair conditioners, leave-ins, and serums at typical use levels around 1–10%.
Target Audience:
Brands seeking non-greasy sensorials for combination/oily-skin products and weightless conditioning in fine-to-medium hair care.
Also Known As:
Hexanoic acid, 2-ethyl-, cetearyl ester, Cetearyl Octanoate, CAS 90411-68-0, EC 291-445-1.
Safety Analysis
Regulatory databases list Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate as a cosmetic ingredient used primarily for emolliency/conditioning with no specific concentration restrictions in typical topical use; it appears broadly permitted in global markets and is widely used in leave-on formulations. The substance is recorded under CAS 90411-68-0/EC 291-445-1 and is distinct from the parent acid (2-ethylhexanoic acid) with regard to irritation/toxicity; as a high-molecular-weight ester, it exhibits low volatility and low acute dermal hazard at cosmetic use levels. Supplier data emphasize good oxidative stability and a low irritation profile; as with any ester emollient, patch testing is prudent for very sensitive users.
References
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