murphyDiethylhexyl Malate
AKA: Bis(2-ethylhexyl) malate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl) 2-hydroxybutanedioate, Bis(2-ethylhexyl)malate, NCIOpen2_009931
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginSynthesized from malic acid and 2-ethylhexanol through esterification reactions in industrial chemical synthesis. The alcohol and acid combine under catalytic conditions to form the ester compound.
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Formula
C20H38O5
Mol. Weight
358.50
CAS #
56235-92-8
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
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.
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 Skin Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 601)
Not an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 601)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 601)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.4–2%
Rinse-off2%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2015
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR