Ethyl Macadamiate

Ethyl Macadamiate is a fatty acid ester emollient (a lightweight, non-volatile “dry feel” skin-conditioning agent) typically used at a few percent in leave-on products, and esters of this type generally show low irritation in standard patch testing. It is not a pH-dependent active, not an exfoliant, and lacks the reactive functional groups commonly associated with stinging or barrier disruption. While rare individual intolerance is possible (including in highly compromised eczema skin), the overall clinical irritancy potential at typical use levels is very gentle. Safety Notes: Ethyl macadamiate is used as a lightweight emollient/ester “silicone alternative” slip agent and is often present at low levels (~0.1–1%) in lotions/serums and hair/skin conditioning products to boost spreadability and reduce tack. In anhydrous oils, facial oils, body oils, and balm-type leave-on products it is commonly used as a primary emollient phase component, with consumer-available formulas frequently landing in the ~5–20% range and some high-slip specialty products reaching ~30%. Rinse-off cleansing formats generally sit toward the low end because the benefit is mostly sensorial and is limited by wash-off and surfactant system constraints.