murphyEthylhexyl 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
OriginDerived from lauric acid and 2-ethylhexanol, both petroleum-derived or plant-derived fatty alcohol compounds. Synthesized through esterification, combining lauric acid with 2-ethylhexanol using acid catalysts.
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
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-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️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 an Eye Irritant
2 studies / 2 not irritating (CIR 623)
Not a Sensitizer
1 study / 1 not sensitizing (CIR 623)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
1 study / 1 mixed (CIR 623)
Concentration Guide
CIR's newest survey reports no concentration of use.
CIR · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR