Common Name(s): Ethylhexyl isopalmitate,ethylhexyl isopalmitate,ethylhexyl ester,2-ethylhexanol emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides lightweight non-crystallising isopalmitate emolliency with the characteristic lightweight dry touch from the 2-ethylhexyl branched alcohol moiety reducing skin drag versus linear alcohol esters.
Why It's Used: Ethylhexyl isopalmitate is selected for the 2-ethylhexyl ester pairing with branched-c16 isopalmitic — the branched c8 alcohol provides a dry, light skin feel while the branched-c16 isopalmitic chain determines spreading speed and occlusion level, together delivering lightweight non-crystallising isopalmitate emolliency.
How It Works: 2-ethylhexyl branch: reduced surface tension → faster spreading; branched chain → lower melting point (stays fluid) → reduced skin drag; acid chain length → spreading coefficient and occlusion level.
Typically Found In: Emollient formulas,skin care
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%–30%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Ethylhexyl esters are among the most-used emollients in skin care — the ethylhexyl group provides the industry benchmark for lightweight elegant skin feel.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,ethylhexyl isopalmitate ethylhexyl ester emollient review