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.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester developed as a cosmetic emollient in modern skincare. Designed to provide conditioning and smooth texture similar to natural fatty acids.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
45%
0%63%
Reg. Limit
FDA OTC limit: 45% (Skin Protectant). Also listed as anorectal protectant at 10-45% in 21 CFR 346.14 Source: FDA OTC Monograph, 21 CFR 347.10.
