Ethylhexyl Stearate is an ester-based cosmetic ingredient used primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in skincare, haircare and personal-care formulations. It is valued for its ability to improve product spreadability, provide lubrication and contribute to a smooth, soft skin feel.
Chemically, Ethylhexyl Stearate is the ester of stearic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It belongs to the fatty-acid ester family and is generally supplied as an oil-compatible liquid suitable for incorporation into the oil phase of cosmetic formulations.
Ethylhexyl Stearate can be considered for creams, lotions, body-care products, facial oils, makeup and other formulations where an emollient ester is required. Its performance depends on the selected commercial grade, concentration and combination of other formulation ingredients.
The commonly referenced INCI name is Ethylhexyl Stearate. The ingredient is also known as 2-Ethylhexyl Stearate or 2-Ethylhexyl Octadecanoate. Its commonly listed CAS number is 22047-49-0. Confirm the identity and specifications of the supplied material using its current technical documentation.
Ethylhexyl Stearate is a fatty-acid ester formed by combining stearic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. Its lipophilic structure makes it suitable for cosmetic systems containing oils, esters, waxes and other oil-compatible materials.
In cosmetic formulations, Ethylhexyl Stearate is used to improve lubrication, application characteristics and the sensory properties of the finished product. It can contribute to a smooth spreading experience and help reduce the heavy or waxy feel associated with some formulation systems, depending on the complete ingredient blend.
Ethylhexyl Stearate is generally insoluble in water and is normally incorporated into an oil phase or a suitable anhydrous formulation. Water-containing products require an appropriate emulsification system to maintain uniform distribution and physical stability.
It should not be confused with Ethylhexyl Palmitate. Ethylhexyl Stearate is derived from stearic acid, while Ethylhexyl Palmitate is derived from palmitic acid. Although both are cosmetic emollient esters, they have different chemical identities and should be selected according to the requirements of the formulation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethylhexyl Stearate |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Stearate |
| Chemical Name | 2-Ethylhexyl Stearate |
| Alternative Name | 2-Ethylhexyl Octadecanoate |
| Chemical Class | Fatty-acid ester |
| Chemical Description | Ester of stearic acid and 2-ethylhexanol |
| CAS Number | 22047-49-0 |
| EC Number | 244-754-0 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₆H₅₂O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 396.69 g/mol |
| Physical State | Generally liquid at ordinary ambient temperatures |
| Appearance | Typically clear, colourless liquid; verify grade |
| Water Solubility | Generally insoluble |
| Oil Compatibility | Compatible with many suitable lipophilic formulation systems |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Emollient |
| Additional Function | Skin conditioning; solvent function may be relevant in selected formulations |
| Product Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Ethylhexyl Stearate is primarily used as an emollient. It contributes to the softness, smoothness and application feel of cosmetic products by providing lubrication across the skin surface.
This ester can be incorporated into skin-conditioning formulations, including creams, lotions and body-care products. Its contribution depends on the concentration and the other components of the finished formulation.
Ethylhexyl Stearate can support even product application by contributing to the lubricating characteristics of the oil phase. This can be useful in formulations designed for smooth spreading and comfortable application.
The ingredient can help formulators adjust the richness, glide and after-feel of a product. The final sensory result depends on the balance of esters, oils, waxes, silicones and other ingredients present in the formulation.
As a lipophilic ester, Ethylhexyl Stearate can be considered for oil phases in emulsions and for suitable anhydrous products. Compatibility and performance should be assessed in the intended formulation.
Ethylhexyl Stearate may also contribute solvent properties in selected cosmetic systems. Its suitability for dissolving or dispersing a particular ingredient should be established through compatibility and solubility testing rather than assumed for every formulation.
Ethylhexyl Stearate may be evaluated in:
The suitability of Ethylhexyl Stearate for any application should be confirmed through formulation development, compatibility testing and finished-product evaluation.
Ethylhexyl Stearate is generally incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or into suitable anhydrous products. Follow the processing instructions provided for the commercial grade.
The ingredient is generally insoluble in water. Water-based formulations typically require a suitable emulsifier system to distribute the ester and maintain product stability.
The appropriate use level depends on the desired texture, spreadability, richness and after-feel. Establish the concentration through formulation trials and assess it alongside other emollients.
Evaluate compatibility with emulsifiers, fatty alcohols, waxes, cosmetic oils, silicones, pigments, fragrances and other formulation components. Testing should reflect the intended manufacturing process and finished-product composition.
Assess the final formulation for appearance, odour, viscosity, phase separation and other relevant changes under appropriate stability conditions. The raw ingredient's properties alone do not establish the stability of the finished product.
The suitability of a cosmetic product depends on the complete formulation, concentration, application area and intended use. Conduct the 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 Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) to establish acceptance limits.
Store the material in a suitable, tightly closed container under the conditions recommended for the supplied grade. Protect it from contamination and follow applicable handling procedures.
| Parameter | Ethylhexyl Stearate | Ethylhexyl Palmitate |
|---|---|---|
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Stearate | Ethylhexyl Palmitate |
| Parent Fatty Acid | Stearic acid | Palmitic acid |
| Chemical Class | Fatty-acid ester | Fatty-acid ester |
| CAS Number | 22047-49-0 | 29806-73-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₆H₅₂O₂ | C₂₄H₄₈O₂ |
| Primary Cosmetic Role | Emollient | Emollient |
| Selection Considerations | Sensory profile, compatibility and grade | Sensory profile, compatibility and grade |
These ingredients are related but not identical. Select the appropriate ester according to the required formulation performance, chemical identity and commercial-grade specifications.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient procurement requirements for manufacturers and formulation businesses developing skincare, body-care, colour-cosmetic and personal-care products.
Ethylhexyl Stearate can be considered where an oil-compatible emollient ester is required to support skin conditioning, lubrication and formulation feel. Before commercial use, buyers should confirm the supplied material's identity, grade, specification limits, packaging and batch documentation.
For production applications, evaluate the ingredient in the complete formulation and verify compatibility, stability and finished-product performance.
Ethylhexyl Stearate is a fatty-acid ester formed from stearic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Stearate.
The commonly referenced CAS number is 22047-49-0.
Its molecular formula is C₂₆H₅₂O₂, with a molecular weight of approximately 396.69 g/mol.
It is used in selected creams, lotions, body-care products, makeup and other personal-care formulations for emollient and skin-conditioning functions.
No. It is generally insoluble in water and is usually incorporated into the oil phase or a suitable anhydrous formulation.
Yes. Its primary cosmetic function is emolliency, helping support smooth application and a conditioned skin feel.
It can be considered for creams and lotions when the oil phase and emulsification system are designed to accommodate it. Finished-product stability should be evaluated.
No. Ethylhexyl Stearate is derived from stearic acid, whereas Ethylhexyl Palmitate is derived from palmitic acid. They are different cosmetic esters.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |