Ethylhexyl Benzoate

AKA: 2-Ethylhexyl benzoate, Benzoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol benzoate, FINSOLV EB
Synthetic
Emollient
Solvent
Skin Conditioner
Clean
2-Ethylhexyl benzoate
Solubility Practically insoluble or insoluble in water
Formula
C15H22O2
Mol. Weight
234.33
CAS #
5444-75-7
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
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.
Solvent
Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester developed for cosmetic applications. Used as a light emollient and solvent in sunscreens, fragrances, and skincare products.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not Phototoxic
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR