Triethylhexanoin

Triethylhexanoin is a lightweight emollient ester used as a skin-conditioning agent/solvent (commonly a few percent up to higher levels in makeup and sunscreens) and is generally well-tolerated with low irritation in patch testing. It is not an active and has no pH-dependent reactivity, but in highly reactive or eczematous skin any lipid/solvent component can rarely contribute to stinging or intolerance, especially in compromised barriers. Given the overall low clinical irritancy yet non-zero risk in severe sensitivity populations, it fits a very gentle (0.2) score. Safety Notes: Triethylhexanoin is used as a lightweight emollient/solvent and sensory modifier; in many creams, lotions, sunscreens, and color cosmetics it appears at low supporting levels (~0.1–2%) to improve slip and pigment dispersion. In leave-on oils, balms, silicone-free “dry oil” serums, and some high-slip primers/foundations, it can be a primary oil-phase component, commonly 10–40% and reaching very high levels (up to ~80%) when the formula is essentially an anhydrous emollient base with minimal structuring agents. It is uncommon at such high levels in rinse-off cleansers due to rinseability and cost, so the upper end is mainly observed in leave-on, anhydrous products.