Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is an ester-based cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in skincare, body-care, makeup and personal-care formulations. It is valued for its lubricating properties and its ability to contribute to a soft, smooth skin feel and improve the application characteristics of cosmetic products.
Chemically, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is formed from 2-ethylhexanol and hydroxystearic acid. Its structure contains both an ester group and a hydroxyl group, which distinguish it from conventional fatty-acid esters that do not contain an additional hydroxyl group.
The ingredient can be considered for facial creams, moisturizers, lotions, foundations, lip products, makeup formulations and other personal-care applications requiring an oil-compatible emollient.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate. Commonly listed CAS numbers include 29710-25-6 and 29383-26-4. The commonly referenced chemical identity is 2-ethylhexyl 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate. Buyers should confirm the applicable CAS number and exact material identity against the current Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS).
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is a hydroxyl-functional fatty-acid ester used in cosmetic formulations for emolliency and skin conditioning. Its molecular structure combines a branched 2-ethylhexyl group with a hydroxystearate portion.
In finished cosmetic products, it can contribute to lubrication, spreadability and the sensory properties of the formulation. It is particularly relevant to products where a smooth application feel and emollient performance are important.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is generally oil-compatible and insoluble in water. It is normally incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or used in suitable anhydrous formulations. A suitable emulsification system is required when the ingredient is included in a water-containing product.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate should not be confused with Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearoyl Hydroxystearate or Ethylhexyl Polyhydroxystearate. These are distinct INCI ingredients with different structures and properties.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate |
| Chemical Name | 2-Ethylhexyl 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate |
| Alternative Name | 2-Ethylhexyl 12-hydroxystearate |
| Chemical Class | Hydroxyl-functional fatty-acid ester |
| CAS Numbers Reported | 29710-25-6 / 29383-26-4 |
| EC Number | 249-793-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₆H₅₂O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 412.7 g/mol |
| Physical State | Grade-dependent; commonly supplied as an oily liquid |
| Appearance | Grade-dependent; confirm against product documentation |
| Water Solubility | Generally insoluble |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Emollient |
| Additional Function | Skin conditioning |
| Product Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Identity note: Public ingredient databases associate this INCI name with more than one CAS number. The formula and molecular weight above describe the referenced 2-ethylhexyl hydroxystearate molecular species; the supplied commercial grade should be checked for exact identity and composition before publication or procurement.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is primarily used as an emollient. It helps improve the softness and smoothness of the skin feel by providing lubrication within a cosmetic formulation.
The ingredient can be incorporated into skin-conditioning products, including creams, lotions and makeup formulations. Its contribution depends on the concentration, the other formulation ingredients and the finished product's design.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate can help improve the spreading and application characteristics of selected cosmetic products. This can be relevant to facial creams, foundations and other formulations where a uniform application feel is desired.
The ingredient can contribute to the overall texture, glide and after-feel of a cosmetic product. The final sensory profile depends on its interaction with other esters, oils, waxes and conditioning agents.
As a lipophilic ester, Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate can be considered for oil phases and suitable anhydrous formulations. Compatibility should be established through formulation testing.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate can be evaluated alongside other emollients to help achieve the desired application and skin-feel characteristics. Its use level and compatibility should be determined for the specific formulation.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate may be evaluated for:
The suitability of Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate for a particular application depends on the commercial grade, formulation compatibility and finished-product performance.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is generally incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or suitable anhydrous formulations. Follow the processing guidance provided for the selected grade.
The ingredient is generally insoluble in water. Water-containing formulations require a suitable emulsification system to maintain uniform distribution and physical stability.
The appropriate use level depends on the required texture, lubrication, spreadability and after-feel. Determine the concentration through formulation trials rather than assuming a single level is appropriate for every product.
Assess compatibility with emulsifiers, fatty alcohols, waxes, cosmetic oils, silicones, pigments, fragrances and other formulation ingredients. Testing should be carried out in the intended finished-product system.
The suitability of the finished cosmetic product depends on the complete formulation, concentration, application area and intended use. Conduct appropriate finished-product safety and compatibility assessments.
Relevant quality checks may include identification, appearance, odour, acid value, density, refractive index and other parameters defined for the commercial grade. Use the current COA and TDS to establish acceptance limits.
Evaluate the finished formulation for appearance, odour, viscosity, phase separation and other relevant changes under appropriate stability conditions.
Store in a suitable, tightly closed container under the conditions recommended for the supplied grade. Protect the material from contamination and follow applicable handling procedures.
| Parameter | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate | Ethylhexyl Stearate | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearoyl Hydroxystearate |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate | Ethylhexyl Stearate | Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearoyl Hydroxystearate |
| Chemical Structure | Hydroxyl-functional fatty-acid ester | Fatty-acid ester | More complex hydroxystearate ester |
| Additional Hydroxyl Functionality | Present | Not present in the parent ester structure | Present |
| Primary Cosmetic Role | Emollient, skin conditioning | Emollient | Emollient, skin conditioning |
| CAS Identity | 29710-25-6 / 29383-26-4 reported | 22047-49-0 | Distinct ingredient-specific identity |
| Selection Considerations | Grade identity, sensory profile and compatibility | Texture, emolliency and grade | Composition, sensory profile and formulation requirements |
These ingredients are not interchangeable by name alone. Confirm the exact INCI identity and select the ingredient according to the required formulation properties and commercial-grade specifications.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient procurement requirements for manufacturers and formulation businesses developing skincare, body-care, makeup and personal-care products.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate can be considered where an emollient ester is required to support skin conditioning, lubrication and formulation feel. Buyers should confirm the supplied material's identity, CAS number, grade, specification limits, packaging and batch documentation before commercial use.
For production applications, evaluate the ingredient in the complete formulation and verify compatibility, stability and finished-product performance.
Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate is a hydroxyl-functional fatty-acid ester used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Hydroxystearate.
Published ingredient references list 29710-25-6 and 29383-26-4. Confirm the applicable identifier against the technical documentation for the supplied grade.
The referenced 2-ethylhexyl 12-hydroxyoctadecanoate molecular species has the formula C₂₆H₅₂O₃.
The molecular weight of the referenced molecular species is approximately 412.7 g/mol.
It is used primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient in creams, lotions, foundations, lip products and other cosmetic formulations.
No. It is generally insoluble in water and is usually incorporated into the oil phase or a suitable anhydrous formulation.
No. They are different INCI ingredients with different chemical structures and should not be treated as interchangeable.
It can be evaluated in creams and lotions when the oil phase and emulsification system are designed to accommodate it. Finished-product stability should be assessed.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |