Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin is a clear, colorless liquid widely used in cosmetics as a multifunctional ingredient—serving as a humectant, emollient, preservative booster, surfactant, and deodorizing agent. It enhances formulations with improved texture and microbial stabilization.
INCI Name: Ethylhexylglycerin
Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₄O₃
Alternate Names: Octoxyglycerin, 3-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-1,2-propanediol, EHG
Purity of the Ingredient: 99%
Country of Origin: India
Benefits and Uses
-
Humectant & Emollient: Draws and locks in moisture for hydrated, soft skin and hair
-
Preservative Booster: Enhances antimicrobial activity of traditional preservatives like phenoxyethanol, allowing lower usage levels
-
Surfactant / Texture Enhancer: Improves formulation texture and stability; helps blend ingredients and keep them from separating
-
Fragrance Fixative: Helps scents linger longer by enhancing fragrance retention
-
Deodorizing & Antimicrobial: Controls Gram-positive bacteria growth and helps reduce odor formation
How It Works
-
Its surfactant-like nature reduces surface tension, aiding preservative penetration and boosting efficacy
-
Acts as a skin-conditioning humectant, drawing moisture into skin/hair and improving feel
-
Serves as a fragrance fixative, helping fragrance molecules persist in a formula
pH and Ideal Temperature Range for Best Use
-
Effective pH Range: Approximately 2–12; commonly stable in 2–12 or at least 4–8 in some formulations
-
Temperature Stability: Stable up to high temperatures (e.g., up to 120 °C) and compatible with heat processes
-
Incorporation Phase: Typically added during the cool-down phase (below 40–80 °C), or into water/oil phase depending on solubility.
How to Use Ethylhexylglycerin
-
Usage Level: Typically 0.3–1.0% of total formulation; some sources suggest up to 2% for leave-on, 0.6% max in aerosol deodorants
-
When to Add: Include during cool-down, below ~40–80 °C, or in appropriate phase based on solubility in water, alcohols, or glycols
-
Formulation Tips:
-
Compatible with emulsions, serums, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and color cosmetics.
-
Be cautious: concentrations above 2% (leave-on) or 8% (rinse-off) may lead to skin irritation.
-
Always patch-test if using on sensitive skin, despite its generally safe profile.