murphyEthylhexyl Stearate
AKA: 2-Ethylhexyl stearate, 22047-49-0, 2-Ethylhexyl octadecanoate, Cetiol 868, Octadecanoic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester, CRODAMOL OS, TEGOSOFT OS
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from stearic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, both petroleum-derived organic compounds or synthetically produced from natural oils. Synthesized through esterification, combining stearic 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
C26H52O2
Mol. Weight
396.70
CAS #
22047-49-0
Form
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-assessed2 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 an Eye Irritant
1 study / 1 not irritating (CIR 189)
Not a Sensitizer
3 studies / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 189 and 623)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
9 studies / 2 irritating / 3 mixed / 4 not irritating / reactions mild (CIR 189 and 623)
Mixed Phototoxicity Results
Both phototoxic and non-phototoxic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 189)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.0004–38%
Rinse-off0.1–29%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR