Lauryl Ethylhexanoate

AKA: Dodecyl 2-ethylhexanoate, 56078-38-7, Lauryl 2-ethylhexanoate, Hexanoic acid, Dodecyl ester
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
The Panel concluded that the alkyl ethylhexanoates, listed below, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in the safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating...Lauryl Ethylhexanoate...
Formula
C20H40O2
Mol. Weight
312.50
CAS #
56078-38-7
Form
Liquid
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
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester combining lauryl alcohol with 2-ethylhexanoic acid, created as an emollient and lightweight conditioning agent in modern skincare formulations.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️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