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ETHYLENE CARBONATE.

Valuable CAS 96-49-1 / SOLVENT

Ethylene Carbonate is a highly polar organic solvent critical for optimizing cosmetic formulations. It efficiently dissolves various active ingredients and polymers, enhancing their uniform dispersion. Beyond its solvent capabilities, it contributes to the aesthetic qualities of products by increasing opacity and improving surface gloss.

Summary

solvent solubility enhancer opacity enhancer surface gloss improver

Science

Mechanism of Action

As a highly polar organic solvent, Ethylene Carbonate functions by solubilizing a broad spectrum of cosmetic raw materials, including active ingredients and polymers. This action significantly improves their integration and dispersion within a formulation. It also physically influences the product matrix to enhance visual characteristics such as opacity and surface brilliance.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Both
Optimal pH 5.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Ethylene Carbonate exhibits stability within a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0 at 25 °C, as observed in an 88.1 g/L solution. It is stable in the presence of water at temperatures up to 100 °C. However, it is susceptible to hydrolysis, which occurs rapidly with strong alkaline conditions above 125 °C, and more gradually with strong acids. The presence of ionic salts, such as sodium chloride, can accelerate this hydrolysis. Under standard storage conditions (e.g., 40 °C for two months), it maintains stability with minimal changes in physical properties, even with trace acids or alkalis. Dry ester decomposition occurs slowly at 200-250 °C.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • strong acids
  • strong bases
  • reducing agents
  • salts (e.g., sodium chloride)
  • moisture

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Panel has deemed carbonate salts, including Ethylene Carbonate, safe under current cosmetic usage practices and concentrations, provided formulations are non-irritating. A specific maximum concentration for Ethylene Carbonate alone in cosmetic use has not been explicitly defined in the available data. In the U.S., cosmetic ingredients do not require pre-market FDA approval, while in the EU, Ethylene Carbonate is recognized as a solvent in the Cosmetics Inventory and is classified under the UN GHS.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ethylene Carbonate is a valuable formulation aid, primarily functioning as a highly polar solvent that enhances ingredient dispersion and aesthetic properties, with a favorable safety profile when formulated to be non-irritating.

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