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What is "Ethylhexylglycerin" and what is its purpose?

What is "Ethylhexylglycerin" and what is its purpose?

Renowned for its natural preservative action, Ethylhexylglycerin is primarily derived from plant sources such as palm or soy. This ingredient is used in a wide variety of skincare products. Let's focus on its utility.

Summary
Published November 17, 2021, updated on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 3 min read

Ethylhexylglycerin: What is it?

Produced from glycerine, Ethylhexylglycerin is a colourless liquid with bacteriostatic and moisturising effects. Its synergistic effect allows for a reduction in the dosage of traditional preservatives in skincare products.

It is used in skincare as a humectant emollient agent. It belongs to the category of alkylglyceryl ethers. This is a glycerine attached to an alkyl with an ether bond.

Derived from synthetic raw materials, Ethylhexylglycerin can present itself in a solid state at room temperature or as a colourless liquid. It is soluble in fats, but insoluble in water.

Ethylhexylglycerin: What is its purpose?

Ethylhexylglycerin is a versatile and multifunctional additive. It acts as an emollient or a skin conditioning agent. The alkyl groups form a structure on the skin's surface. Being water-resistant, this structure retains moisture.

Ethylhexylglycerin is utilised for its emollient, surfactant, and skin-revitalising properties.

This ingredient performs several functions:

  • It inhibits the multiplication of bacteria that cause odours and protects the skincare products from deterioration;

  • It maintains the skin in good condition;

  • It reduces unpleasant body odours;

  • It reduces the concentrations of commonly used preservatives such as triclosan or parabens.

Ethylhexylglycerin functions as:

  • A gentle humectant;

  • An emollient agent.

When Ethylhexylglycerin is used at the usual dosage (0.3 to 1.0%), it does not destabilise an emulsion. This is an advantage over other multifunctional ingredients such as caprylyl glycol.

Ethylhexylglycerin can serve as:

  • Deodorant: it inhibits the growth and multiplication of bacteria responsible for odours.

  • Surfactant: Surfactants lower the surface tension between two substances. This action is particularly useful for mixing oil-based and water-based ingredients. Surfactants attract and remove dirt, oil, and other impurities that accumulate on the skin throughout the day. Thanks to its numerous benefits, Ethylhexylglycerin is present in several shower gels and cleansers.

  • Preservative: it reduces the surface tension on the cell walls of bacteria or microorganisms. This causes the destruction of the bacterial cell walls and prevents their growth.

  • As a skin conditioning agent: it works by lubricating the skin's surface and enhancing its appearance.

  • Hair moisturiser.

Ethylhexylglycerin: In which skincare products can it be found?

Our SPF30 aloe vera facial sunscreen contains Ethylhexylglycerin. Combined with other ingredients from the alkylglyceryl ether, this ingredient can be used in:

  • Haircare treatments;

  • Lipsticks;

  • Moisturising creams;

  • The lotions;

  • The fragrances;

  • The makeup removers;

  • Deodorants;

  • Sun care treatments;

  • Foundation makeup;

  • Body and hand care treatments.

At high concentrations, Ethylhexylglycerin can cause mild irritation to the eyes and skin. Generally, skincare products contain low concentrations of this ingredient.

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