- Derived from: Coconut
- Pronunciation: (e-thəlˈ\hek-səl\ˈglis-rən)
- Type: Natural, biodegradable
What Is Ethylhexylglycerin?
Ethylhexylglycerin is a biodegradable preservative derived from vegetable glycerin. While some may be sourced from sources like palm oil, Puracy’s is entirely sourced from coconut. As it is vegetable-derived, our ethylhexylglycerin is both vegan and halal.What Does Ethylhexylglycerin Do?
Ethylhexylglycerin is an excellent substitute for parabens, a controversial ingredient used in countless personal products.[1] It helps prevent bacteria and germs from forming inside the bottle, which could otherwise lead to unfavorable scents.[2,3]Ethylhexylglycerin in skin care is popular because it breaks surface tension in liquids. This allows them to mix and “soak in” better. It also leaves behind a creamy sensation on skin.[4]
How Ethylhexylglycerin Is Made
Ethylhexylglycerin (an alkyl glyceryl ether) is made via etherification. The most common method reacts sodium salt of acetone glycerol with hexadecyl iodide in boiling glycol dimethyl ether. This produces an acetone compound of α-hexadecyl glycerol that goes through hydrolysis with acetic acid.[5]
Is Ethylhexylglycerin Safe?
Though this ingredient has a “2” rating by the Environmental Working Group, there is a small risk of an ethylhexylglycerin allergy.[6]How Puracy Uses Ethylhexylglycerin
We use ethylhexylglycerin in Puracy products for three main reasons:- preventing products from spoiling
- keeping products from separating
- softening skin
References
[1] Food and Drug Administration
[2] Aerts, O., Verhulst, L., Goossens, A. Ethylhexylglycerin: a low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizerin ‘hypo-allergenic’ cosmetics" Contact Dermatitis 74, 281–288
[3] Cosmetics Info
[4] Cosmetic Ingredient Review
[5] Google Patents
[6] Environmental Working Group
