Cetyl Ethylhexanoate
Texture emollient: gives creams a silky feel and helps spread pigments in decorative cosmetics. Tolerated well by skin.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Formulation ingredient with good tolerability. No clinical studies on a care effect, but it improves skin feel and helps smooth the microrelief.
How to read tiers A–F
- CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal
About this ingredient
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is a synthetic ester of cetyl alcohol (C16) and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. A light, non-occlusive emollient with a dry, silky skin feel. A jojoba sensory analogue, cheaper and more stable. Where applied. Light creams and emulsions for oily and combination skin, hydrating fluids, BB and CC creams, primers, sunscreens, decorative cosmetics (foundations, blushes, lipsticks). Use concentration 1-15%. In Spain – Sesderma C-Vit Crema Líquida, ISDIN Fotoprotector, La Roche-Posay Anthelios. Mechanism. Spreads in a thin film, gives a "velvet" feel without an oily residue. Helps disperse pigments and UV filters in decorative and sun products. Low comedogenicity. Evidence base. A functional emollient. No direct clinical efficacy of its own – sensory and formulation role. An alternative to heavier plant oils in oily-skin products. Safety. CIR confirmed safety up to 50%. Hypoallergenic, considered non-comedogenic (0-1 Fulton score). Allergic reactions are rare. Does not photosensitize. 2-Ethylhexanoic acid controversy. In 2018 EU REACH listed free 2-ethylhexanoic acid as reproductively toxic (ECHA Risk Assessment). However cetyl ethylhexanoate is an ester – the acid is bound. The ester does not hydrolyze to the free acid in significant amounts on the skin. SCCS confirmed the bound form is safe. Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage. On the nipple during breastfeeding, pure emollients (shea butter, lanolin) are preferable to sensory modifiers. Suitable for. Oily, combination, normal skin. Decorative cosmetics. Dry and atopic skin – for light hydration, but not enough on its own as an emollient in xerosis.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetyl Ethylhexanoate safe during pregnancy?
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetyl Ethylhexanoate for?
Cetyl Ethylhexanoate suits: oily, dry, combination, normal.
What is Cetyl Ethylhexanoate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Texture emollient: gives creams a silky feel and helps spread pigments in decorative cosmetics.
What's the INCI name for Cetyl Ethylhexanoate?
The INCI name is Cetyl Ethylhexanoate.
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Cetyl Palmitate, Chia Seed Oil, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Powder, Glycoproteins, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Potassium Aspartate, Xylitol
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