Why is ethylhexylglycerin used in cosmetics and personal care products?

Ethylhexylglycerin is an alkyl glyceryl ether. This means that the ethylhexyl group is bound to glycerin at one end by an ether linkage. Although they are also alkyl glyceryl ethers, Batyl Alcohol and Chimyl Alcohol (may also be called Cetyl Glyceryl Ether) have traditionally been used as cosmetic labeling names for these alkyl glyceryl ethers. Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether are also alkyl glyceryl ethers that may be used in cosmetic products.

Despite the different types of names for these ingredients, they all consist of an alkyl group bound to glycerin by an ether linkage. Ethylhexylglycerin and the other alkyl glyceryl ether ingredients may be used in bath products, body and hand products, cleansing products, deodorants, eye makeup, foundations, hair care products and suntan products.

The following functions have been reported for the alkyl glyceryl ether ingredients:

Deodorant agent -- Ethylhexylglycerin

Emulsion stabilizer -- Batyl Alcohol

Skin-conditioning agent -- emollient -- Chimyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether

Skin-conditioning agent -- miscellaneous -- Ethylhexylglycerin

Skin-conditioning agent -- occlusive -- Batyl Alcohol

Surfactants -- emulsifying agent --Glyceryl Lauryl Ether

In cosmetic products, Ethylhexylglycerin has also been reported to enhance the function of some preservatives.