Ingredient · Updated

Ethylhexylglycerin

Neutral in 16 Flagged in 14

Found in 30 productsSee all

What is Ethylhexylglycerin?

Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic compound derived from glycerin. It is often used in personal care products as a weak preservative and a skin conditioning agent.

This ingredient is mainly used to enhance the effectiveness of preservatives like phenoxyethanol, allowing lower concentrations of potentially irritating chemicals to sustain product shelf life. While generally considered safe for use in cosmetics, some users may experience mild skin irritation.

When you see ethylhexylglycerin on a label, it's usually present in products aimed at improving the texture and longevity of the formula without resorting to harsher preservatives.

Commonly found in: Body Lotion, Lip Care, Skin Care, Sunscreen, Makeup

What to watch

  • May cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

  • Enhances the preservative effect of other compounds, reducing the need for stronger preservatives.
FDA

Ethylhexylglycerin is allowed for use in cosmetics in the US without specific restrictions.

Research

While generally considered safe, some studies note potential for mild irritation.

Vegan

Ethylhexylglycerin is synthetically derived and not animal-derived, fitting vegan criteria.

Sources: Ethylhexylglycerin Safety Assessment

Scout's take

Ethylhexylglycerin is used as a skin conditioning agent and preservative enhancer in cosmetics. It is generally considered safe and effective for use in personal care products. It helps to improve the efficacy of preservatives.

The case against

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Sun Bum Signature SPF 30 Lotion · echoed in 3 other analyses

There are no significant risks associated with this ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

from the analysis of Honest The Honest Company Flushable Wipes Plant-Based 126 Count Gilded Wings · echoed in 1 other analysis

There are minimal risks, primarily related to potential skin irritation in very sensitive individuals.

from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Generally considered safe, but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin.

from the analysis of OSEA Undaria Algae Body Wash - Travel Size - Ulta Beauty

The case for

It enhances the efficacy of preservatives and provides a mild conditioning effect on the skin.

from the analysis of Duke Cannon Supply Co. Aluminum Free Deodorant, Superior

It helps to maintain the product's freshness and provides skin conditioning benefits.

from the analysis of Honest The Honest Company Flushable Wipes Plant-Based 126 Count Gilded Wings

Ethylhexylglycerin enhances the preservation of the product and conditions the skin.

from the analysis of SheaMoisture Men Waves Pomade - Argan Oil & Shea Butter

It provides moisturizing benefits and helps to improve the texture of the product.

from the analysis of The Honest Company Plant-Based Baby Wipes made with over 99% Water - Terrazzo - 36ct

More from Scout's analyses

Synthetic preservative-booster — CIR-safe and well-tolerated, but a petroleum-derived synthetic that clean brands typically replace with food-grade/natural systems. Minor clean-beauty demerit.

from the analysis of NYX Professional Makeup First Base Primer Spray

Fully synthetic preservative/booster (ethylhexylglycerin, chlorphenesin, 1,2-hexanediol).

from the analysis of W3LL People Lip Butter SPF 15 Tinted Balm

Ethylhexylglycerin is a preservative and skin-conditioning agent. It helps to enhance the efficacy of other preservatives and provides moisturizing benefits. It is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics.

from the analysis of Sol De Janeiro Bom Dia Bright Body Cream

All 30 products with Ethylhexylglycerin

+ 6 more products in the Scout app

Where Ethylhexylglycerin shows up

Higher-scoring picks without Ethylhexylglycerin

Products from the same categories whose analyzed ingredient list does not include Ethylhexylglycerin, scoring 80 or above.

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