Ethylhexyl Isononanoate

AKA: 2-Ethylhexyl 3, 5, 5-trimethylhexanoate, Dragoxat 89, Hexanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, DUB INO, Isononanoic acid, PELEMOL 89, 2-ethylhexyl isopelargonate
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from petrochemical sources, specifically synthesized from branched-chain alcohols and carboxylic acids. Produced through esterification reaction between 2-ethylhexanol and isononanoic acid under catalytic conditions.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C17H34O2
Mol. Weight
270.50
CAS #
71566-49-9
Form
Liquid
State
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.
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
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 623)
Skin Irritant in Testing (CIR Panel on the ingredient group)
CIR Panel statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 558)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–75%
Rinse-off0.3–20%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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