Esters
What Esters is & what it does
Esters are a broad chemical class formed by reacting an acid with an alcohol, and on cosmetic labels the generic term usually points to a blend of emollient ester oils. In formulas they spread easily and give a light, silky slip, softening skin and helping other ingredients glaze evenly over the surface. Ester emollients are a workhorse of sunscreen and moisturizer textures because they can dissolve oil-soluble UV filters and cut greasiness. The exact feel depends on which specific esters are used.
What are esters in skincare?
Esters are a chemical class made by joining an acid with an alcohol, and on a label the generic word usually means a blend of emollient ester oils. They are used to soften skin and give products a light, silky slip.
What do esters do in sunscreen?
In sunscreen, ester emollients help spread the product smoothly, dissolve oil-soluble UV filters, and cut greasiness for a lighter feel. They are not UV filters themselves, so they support the texture rather than the protection.
Are esters safe in cosmetics?
Cosmetic ester emollients are widely used and generally considered well tolerated. The exact profile depends on which specific esters are in the blend.
Sunscreens with Esters
We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:
-
Payot paris
Payot Stick Très Haute Protection SPF 50+
94/100
-
Wardah UV Shield Physical Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
71/100
-
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Oil
63/100
-
Sotrue Cooling Body Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ Pa ++++
61/100
-
New You White Dose 10x Booster With SPF 45
49/100