Ethylhexylglycerin

OriginDerived from plant-based glycerin and fatty alcohols, primarily sourced from vegetable oils. Synthesized through esterification of glycerin with 2-ethylhexanoic acid to create the preservative compound.

An emollient solvent with antimicrobial activity.

Formula

C11H24O3

Mol. Weight

204.31

CAS #

70445-33-9

Form

Liquid

State

Liquid

Skin Types

●all-skin-types, gentle

Best For

Dehydration

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe

Yes

Functions

Weak Preservative

Keeps your product from growing bacteria, mold, or yeast. Without these, that jar of cream becomes a petri dish in about a week.

Skin Conditioning Agent

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Draws water to skin

Locks in moisture

Strengthens skin barrier

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

CIR

Safe as used

Pregnancy

Yes

CIR Safety Findings

Not Phototoxic

Animal test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 588)

Not a Sensitizer

7 studies / 7 not sensitizing / plus 3 case reports (CIR 588)

Mixed Skin Irritation Results

9 studies / 1 irritating / 1 mixed / 7 not irritating / reactions slight to mild (CIR 588)

Eye Irritant in Testing

2 studies / 2 irritating / reactions mild to severe (CIR 588)

Dermal Absorption 0.02–54.94%

4 animal and lab (in vitro) studies in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 588)

Concentration Guide

Leave-on0.002–2%

Rinse-off0.000001–8%

0%50%100%

CIR reported use · 2011 survey

Regulatory Status

USA✔ permitted

EU⚠ restricted

JAPAN⚠ restricted

CANADA⚠ restricted

Regulatory Agencies

EWG CIR FDA EU COSING Health Canada

Verified Jun 2026

Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR