Emollient

Ethylhexyl Stearate

A lightweight synthetic ester — ethylhexyl stearate provides creams and sunscreens with a characteristic silky, non-greasy feel. One of the most common ester emollients in SPF and foundation formulas.

emollientesternon-greasySPF formulas

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Ethylhexyl Stearate (2-ethylhexyl stearate) — a synthetic ester of 2-ethylhexanol and stearic acid (C18). In INCI: Ethylhexyl Stearate. A colorless liquid with a light texture and minimal odor. A lipophilic emollient with lower viscosity and better spreadability compared to natural oils.

An emollient and texture agent in sunscreens, foundations, BB/CC creams, and liquid highlighters. Dissolves chemical UV filters and improves their distribution on the skin. Provides a characteristic silky glide without greasiness.

Key Benefits

✦

Silky non-greasy feel

Ethylhexyl stearate provides a characteristic smooth, dry-touch feel after application — lighter and more pleasant than most natural oils. Ideal for daytime SPF creams and fluids where lightness is important.

◈

Solvent for UV filters

Effectively dissolves avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and other chemical UV filters — allows them to be incorporated into the formula at the desired concentration without crystallization or instability.

✧

Improvement of spreadability and blend

Reduces surface tension in the oil phase — improves pigment distribution (in decorative cosmetics) and evenness of SPF application. In liquid highlighters, it provides an even glow effect.

Suitable for

for all skin typesfor oily skinfor combination skin

Main Actions

✓ emollient✓ dissolution of UV filters✓ texture improvement✓ dry-touch feel

Not an active, but a texture assistant

Ethylhexyl Stearate does not treat the skin and does not work as a standalone restorative active. Its value in the formula is to make SPF, foundation, or fluid lighter, more even, and more pleasant to apply. For oily or acne-prone skin, not only the presence of this emollient is important, but the entire formula as a whole.

CategoryEmollients

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