Ethylhexyl Stearate

Ethylhexyl stearate is a fatty acid ester emollient/skin-conditioning agent typically used around 1–10% in creams and sunscreens, and it is generally non-sensitizing with low rates of positive reactions in patch testing. Clinically it is considered well-tolerated even in sensitive skin, but rare irritant reactions can occur in highly compromised barriers or when layered with multiple potential irritants, so it is not scored as completely inert. Safety Notes: Ethylhexyl Stearate is a common emollient/texture and slip agent that appears at low levels (~0.1–1%) in lotions, serums, sunscreens, and makeup to improve spreadability and skin feel. Mid-range use (2–15%) is typical in many leave-on creams and color cosmetics as part of the emollient phase. The upper end (~20–40%) is observed in high-slip anhydrous products such as lip products, makeup sticks, cleansing balms, and some facial oils/serum oils where it can function as a major base emollient; rinse-off formats generally use it at lower levels due to surfactant phase constraints.