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Diethylhexyl Adipate

What Diethylhexyl Adipate is & what it does

Diethylhexyl Adipate is a synthetic ester of adipic acid and 2-ethylhexyl alcohol, used as an emollient and solvent in cosmetic formulas. In sunscreens it helps dissolve UV filters and spreads them evenly, while giving products a light, non-greasy skin feel. A notable property is its low viscosity, which makes it useful for creating fluid, fast-absorbing lotions and sprays.

What does Diethylhexyl Adipate do in skincare?

Diethylhexyl Adipate works as an emollient and solvent, giving products a light, smooth, non-greasy feel. In sunscreens it helps dissolve UV filters and spread them evenly across the skin. It is also used to keep formulas fluid and fast-absorbing.

Is Diethylhexyl Adipate comedogenic?

Diethylhexyl Adipate is a light ester emollient and is generally considered low on the comedogenic scale, though individual skin can react differently. Whether any single ingredient clogs pores depends on the overall formula and a person's skin type. If you are acne-prone, patch testing a finished product is a sensible approach.

Is Diethylhexyl Adipate natural or synthetic?

Diethylhexyl Adipate is a synthetic ester made by combining adipic acid with 2-ethylhexyl alcohol. It is manufactured for consistency and purity in cosmetic use. It is not a plant extract, though some feedstocks may originate from various sources.

Sunscreens with Diethylhexyl Adipate

We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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