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Moumoujus

ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN.

Valuable CAS 70445-33-9 / DEODORANT, SKIN CONDITIONING

Ethylhexylglycerin is a versatile cosmetic ingredient recognized for its multifaceted benefits, primarily serving as an effective preservative booster and a mild antimicrobial agent. It significantly contributes to skin conditioning by acting as both a humectant and an emollient, while also offering deodorizing properties.

Summary

Preservative Booster Antimicrobial Skin Conditioning Emollient Humectant Deodorant Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

Ethylhexylglycerin enhances the efficacy of other preservatives by reducing the interfacial tension on microbial cell membranes, thereby facilitating their penetration and lethal effect. It also exhibits direct mild antimicrobial action against bacteria, yeasts, and molds by disrupting their cell membranes through surfactant-like properties. On the skin, it functions as a humectant, drawing and retaining moisture for deep hydration, and as an emollient, forming a protective, occlusive film that softens skin texture and prevents transepidermal water loss. Its deodorizing properties stem from inhibiting the proliferation of odor-causing bacteria on the skin surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 0.075–0.5%
Optimal

N/A

Key findings

  1. 01 At a concentration of 0.075% when combined with 0.0625% phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin demonstrated rapid bactericidal action against E. coli, achieving over a 5 log reduction in colony-forming units within 30 minutes by damaging cell membrane integrity, disrupting energy metabolism, and inducing morphological deformities and DNA condensation.
  2. 02 Typical minimum inhibitory concentrations for broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, yeasts, and molds are observed between 0.1% and 0.5%.
  3. 03 Cosmetic products reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel contain ethylhexylglycerin in concentrations ranging from 0.4% to 0.995%.
  4. 04 A 5.0% concentration of ethylhexylglycerin was found to be non-irritating in patch tests.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Ethylhexylglycerin provides demonstrable, well-documented benefits across multiple functions, including preservative boosting, direct antimicrobial action, and skin conditioning, establishing it as a genuinely valuable ingredient rather than a superficial 'dusting' component.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 2 – 12
0 7 14

Stability

Ethylhexylglycerin is highly stable and effective across a broad pH range from 2 to 12 and exhibits resistance to high temperatures, with the raw material stable up to 120°C. However, its antimicrobial performance is optimized within a formulation pH range of 5.0 to 7.0.

Synergies

  • Phenoxyethanol (enhances preservative effect)

Conflicts

  • High concentrations of surfactants, particularly ethoxylated surfactants, may diminish its efficacy.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
2%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that ethylhexylglycerin is safe for use in cosmetic products at concentrations up to 2% in leave-on products and up to 8% in rinse-off products. It is generally well-tolerated, even on sensitive skin, and is considered non-comedogenic. While it is a rare contact allergen with a positive frequency of 0.1% to 0.3% in patch tests, minor irritation is primarily observed only at concentrations above its recommended use levels.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Ethylhexylglycerin is a highly versatile and valuable ingredient, providing essential preservative boosting and antimicrobial properties alongside significant skin conditioning and deodorizing benefits.

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