Ethyl Hexyl Glycerin

Ethylhexylglycerin is a clear, colorless liquid widely used in cosmetics as a multifunctional ingredient—serving as a humectant, emollient, preservative booster, surfactant, and deodorizing agent. It enhances formulations with improved texture and microbial stabilization. 

INCI Name: Ethylhexylglycerin 

Molecular Formula: C₁₁H₂₄O₃

Alternate Names: Octoxyglycerin, 3-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-1,2-propanediol, EHG

Purity of the Ingredient: 99%

Country of Origin: India

Benefits and Uses

• Humectant & Emollient: Draws and locks in moisture for hydrated, soft skin and hair

• Preservative Booster: Enhances antimicrobial activity of traditional preservatives like phenoxyethanol, allowing lower usage levels

• Surfactant / Texture Enhancer: Improves formulation texture and stability; helps blend ingredients and keep them from separating

• Fragrance Fixative: Helps scents linger longer by enhancing fragrance retention

• Deodorizing & Antimicrobial: Controls Gram-positive bacteria growth and helps reduce odor formation

How It Works

• Its surfactant-like nature reduces surface tension, aiding preservative penetration and boosting efficacy

• Acts as a skin-conditioning humectant, drawing moisture into skin/hair and improving feel

• Serves as a fragrance fixative, helping fragrance molecules persist in a formula

pH and Ideal Temperature Range for Best Use

• Effective pH Range: Approximately 2–12; commonly stable in 2–12 or at least 4–8 in some formulations

• Temperature Stability: Stable up to high temperatures (e.g., up to 120 °C) and compatible with heat processes 

• Incorporation Phase: Typically added during the cool-down phase (below 40–80 °C), or into water/oil phase depending on solubility.

How to Use Ethylhexylglycerin

• Usage Level: Typically 0.3–1.0% of total formulation; some sources suggest up to 2% for leave-on, 0.6% max in aerosol deodorants 

• When to Add: Include during cool-down, below ~40–80 °C, or in appropriate phase based on solubility in water, alcohols, or glycols 

• Formulation Tips:

• Compatible with emulsions, serums, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and color cosmetics.

• Be cautious: concentrations above 2% (leave-on) or 8% (rinse-off) may lead to skin irritation.

• Always patch-test if using on sensitive skin, despite its generally safe profile.