An emollient ester. It softens skin and gives a soft slip and body. Well tolerated.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A functional emollient. Safe.
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.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
An emollient ester.
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate. It may also appear as: Этилгексил гидроксистеарат.
Published: · updated: