Cetyl Ethylhexanoate Good Emollient Hydration Cetyl Ethylhexanoate at a glance Ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid Emollient that helps skin retain moisture Enhances texture of formulas Deemed as safe for use in cosmetics Cetyl Ethylhexanoate description Cetyl ethylhexanoate is an emollient skin care ingredient that helps skin retain moisture. It’s an ester of cetyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid, appearing as a colorless liquid as a raw material. Beyond this, it’s insoluble in water. In addition to its skin conditioning properties, cetyl ethylhexanoate helps to thicken products and enhance texture, lending a velvety finish. It’s often used in lipsticks and rinse-off products. In cosmetics, it can be found in percentages of anywhere from 0.5 to 77.3%. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel deemed it safe for use in cosmetics when properly formulated to not irritate skin. This ingredient may be animal- or plant-derived or synthetic. Paula’s Choice uses the synthetic or plant-derived sources. Related ingredients: Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate Ester Cetyl Alcohol