murphyDiethylhexyl Adipate
AKA: BIS(2-ETHYLHEXYL) ADIPATE, 103-23-1, Di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, DEHA, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)hexanedioate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) hexanedioate, BEHA, Plastomoll DOA, Vestinol OA
Synthetic
Emollient
Occlusive
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, both petroleum-derived organic compounds from the synthetic chemical family. Synthesized through esterification reaction between adipic acid and 2-ethylhexanol using acid catalysts.
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate is a diester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy groups of adipic acid with 2-ethylhexan-1-ol. It is used as a plasticiser in the preparation of various polymers. It has a role as a plasticiser. It is a member of dicarboxylic acids and O-substituted derivatives, a carboxylic ester and a diester. It is functionally related to a 2-ethylhexan-1-ol and an adipic acid.
Solubility less than 0.1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C22H42O4
Mol. Weight
370.60
CAS #
103-23-1
Form
Powder
State
Bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate is a colorless to straw-colored liquid with a mild odor. Floats on water. (USCG, 1999)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Plasticiser
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 206)
Not Phototoxic
Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 206)
Mixed Eye Irritation Results
4 studies / 2 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 206 and 528)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
10 studies / 8 irritating / 2 mixed / reactions slight to strong (CIR 206 and 528)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR