Ethylhexyl stearate (2-ethylhexyl stearate) is a chemical compound, esterified by the reaction with 2-ethyl hexanol and stearic acid or transesterified by the reaction of palm oil or rapeseed oil with 2-ethyl hexanol.

It appears as a colourless transparent oily liquid.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Used mainly as a softener, penetrating agent, emollient, solvent. It has antioxidant properties and anti-enzymatic decomposition with good compatibility with other cosmetic ingredients.

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Industry

Plasticising agent for PVC and internal lubricant.

Solvent for pigments, preservatives.

Ethylhexyl stearate studies

Typical commercial product characteristics 2-Ethylhexyl stearate

• Molecular Formula  C₂₆H₅₂O₂
• Molecular Weight     396.7
• Exact Mass   396.396729
• CAS  22047-49-0
• UNII    EG3PA2K3K5
• EC Number   244-754-0
• DSSTox Substance ID  DTXSID9047178
• IUPAC  2-ethylhexyl octadecanoate
• InChI=1S/C26H52O2/c1-4-7-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-23-26(27)28-24-25(6-3)22-8-5-2/h25H,4-24H2,1-3H3 
• InChl Key      OPJWPPVYCOPDCM-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• SMILES   CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(CC)CCCC
• MDL number  MFCD00072275
• PubChem Substance ID    
• RTECS   WI3700000

Synonyms:

• 2-Ethylhexyl stearate
• Stearic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester