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
Ready to scale your next production run?
US-based private label, custom formulation, and contract manufacturing — GMP-certified and built to scale. We help established brands differentiate, reformulate, and secure reliable supply.
Explore product launch options for your brand today.
What is your primary goal?
Join the Brand Builder’s Newsletter
Sign up and access insider manufacturing strategy, product development tips, and resources to help you build a stronger brand.
Building something with this ingredient? We formulate and manufacture custom products for brands scaling in beauty and personal care. Explore our product development capabilities.
