Ingredient Ethylhexylglycerin
Ethylhexylglycerin serves as a surfactant and preservant enhancer and acts as a safe natural preservative in minute amounts. It's a proven preservative-enhancer and is often used instead of controversial parabens.
It's a compound derived from grains and plants and works by reducing interfacial tension on the cellular walls of microorganisms, promoting their more rapid destruction and a wider spectrum activity.
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 safety of Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetics.
The CIR Expert Panel reviewed the safety of alkyl glyceryl ethers including Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol (also called Cetyl Glyceryl Ether), Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether. Data reviewed indicated that about 50% of the Ethylhexylglycerin placed on the skin may be absorbed. Large oral doses of Ethylhexylglycerin for 13-weeks resulted in effects on the liver. Lower doses did not cause any adverse effects. Ethylhexylglycerin was not a reproductive or developmental toxicant. Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol and Batyl Alcohol were not genotoxic. Undiluted Ethylhexylglycerin is an eye irritant, while a 5% concentration only causes mild eye irritation. Undiluted Ethylhexylglycerin and Chimyl Alcohol are mild skin irritants. Ethylhexylglycerin is not a dermal sensitizer.
Based on the available data and the similar structures of these ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether were safe as used in cosmetic products. The alkyl glyceryl ethers, including Ethylhexylglycerin, may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European Union.