Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate
An emollient ester. It softens skin and gives a soft slip and body. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A functional emollient. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is an emollient ester, listed in INCI under the same name. In a formula it softens the skin, gives a silky slip and adds body to creams and makeup. This improves how the product feels on application. This is a functional texture component, not an active. It makes skin feel softer right away, but it does not correct wrinkles or pigmentation through any biological mechanism. As an emollient it does its job well and improves the user experience. Applied topically it has no systemic impact, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good and irritation and allergy potential are low. It has a mild comedogenicity rating of 2, so oily and acne-prone skin should keep an eye on it; on normal or dry skin it rarely causes trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate safe during pregnancy?
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate for?
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate and what does it do in cosmetics?
An emollient ester.
Is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate?
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate.
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Ethylhexyl Isostearate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Evening Primrose Oil, Fermented Laminaria Digitata Extract, Hydrolyzed Quinoa, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Sodium Lactate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2
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