murphyHexyl Laurate
AKA: Hexyl dodecanoate, 34316-64-8, Dodecanoic acid, Hexyl ester
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginDerived from lauric acid and hexanol, both obtainable from petroleum or coconut oil sources. Synthesized through esterification, where lauric acid reacts with hexanol under catalyst conditions to form the ester.
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
C18H36O2
Mol. Weight
284.50
CAS #
34316-64-8
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR