Ethylhexyl Laurate

AKA: 2-Ethylhexyl laurate, Dodecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, DUB LAO, PASTELL 2H12, AEC ETHYLHEXYL LAURATE, (2-ETHYLHEXYL)DODECANOATE

Synthetic

Emollient

Skin Conditioner

Not Clean

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

C20H40O2

Mol. Weight

312.50

CAS #

20292-08-4

Form

Liquid

State

Liquid

Functions

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Locks In Moisture

Traditional Use

Created as a synthetic ester to mimic the properties of lauric acid from coconut oil while offering improved chemical stability and performance. Developed for use in cosmetic formulations requiring lightweight emollients.

EWG

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not a Sensitizer

medical-approval

all-shades-safe

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Skin Types

●all-skin-types

Best For

Dryness

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

The paper trail

🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →

⚖️Regulatory1 listing →

🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →

Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR