murphyCetearyl Ethylhexanoate
AKA: Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 59130-69-7, Cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, Cetyl ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl octanoate, HEXANOIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTER, 90411-68-0
Synthetic
Emollient
Emulsifier
Synthetic
Clean
OriginDerived from cetearyl alcohol and ethylhexanoic acid, members of the fatty alcohol and branched carboxylic acid chemical families. Synthesized through esterification, where the alcohol and acid react together to form the ester compound.
The Panel concluded that the alkyl ethylhexanoates, listed below, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating...Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate...
Formula
C24H48O2
Mol. Weight
368.60
CAS #
90411-68-0
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Softens & Smooths
Conditions Hair
Conditions Skin
Smooths and softens skin
Softens and detangles hair
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory0 listings
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe with qualifications (when formulated to be nonirritating)
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
6 studies / 6 not sensitizing (CIR 230 and 637)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 1 mixed / 3 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 230 and 637)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 230)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 4 irritating / 1 mixed / 4 not irritating / reactions slight to moderate (CIR 230)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.00009–35%
Rinse-off0.6–2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR