Cetyl Ethylhexanoate

AKA: Hexadecyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 59130-69-7, Cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, Cetearyl octanoate, HEXANOIC ACID, HEXADECYL ESTER, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, 90411-68-0
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, both petroleum-based or synthesized chemical precursors. Synthesized through esterification, combining the fatty acid and alcohol under catalytic conditions.
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 #
59130-69-7
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
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.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
5 studies / 4 irritating / 1 not irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 637)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.4–52%
Rinse-off0.5–77.3%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR