Emollient
STEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE
Safety score · 0–100
Good
Derived from EU CosIng regulatory status, PubChem hazard data and published research. How we score.
About
Ester of stearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. A widely used cosmetic emollient that gives a silky, dry-touch slip without a greasy afterfeel.
Stearyl ethylhexanoate is a synthetic ester used across creams, lotions, makeup, and sun care as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. Its branched 2-ethylhexanoic acid component keeps it liquid at room temperature despite the long stearyl chain, which gives it a characteristic dry, silky slip that formulators prize for light textures. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has evaluated alkyl esters of this class as safe at current cosmetic use levels, with no evidence of systemic toxicity, mutagenicity, or sensitization. Comedogenicity rankings are generally low, though as with any rich emollient, oily or acne-prone skin may prefer lighter alternatives. No GHS hazard classification.
Skin benefits
- Silky, non-greasy emollient feel
- Low comedogenicity in standard scoring
- Well-tolerated across skin types
Known concerns
- Rare contact irritation in formulations with high free fatty acid content
- May feel heavy on very oily or acne-prone skin
References
EU CosIng database
European Commission cosmetic ingredient registry — regulatory status, restrictions, authorised functions.
Related emollients
Check your shelf
Find STEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE in your products.
Scan any cosmetic product with LuxSense to see if it contains STEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE and get a full ingredient breakdown with safety scores.
This profile is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Regulatory status and scientific understanding evolve — always read the physical product label and consult a healthcare professional for personal concerns.