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Ethyl Oleate

What Ethyl Oleate is & what it does

Ethyl Oleate is the ester formed from ethanol and oleic acid, a lightweight oily liquid. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it functions as an emollient and solvent, giving products a smooth, fast-spreading feel and helping dissolve other oil-soluble ingredients such as UV filters. Its low viscosity makes it useful when a light, less greasy skin finish is wanted.

What does Ethyl Oleate do in skincare?

Ethyl Oleate is a lightweight ester that works as an emollient and solvent in skincare and sunscreen formulas. It gives products a smooth, fast-spreading feel and helps dissolve oil-soluble ingredients such as UV filters. Its low viscosity makes it useful for lighter, less greasy textures.

Is Ethyl Oleate comedogenic?

Ethyl Oleate is a derivative of oleic acid, and oleic-acid-based emollients are sometimes reported as potentially pore-clogging for very acne-prone skin, though reported comedogenic ratings vary and depend on the overall formula. People worried about clogged pores may prefer to patch test. There is no single rating that applies to every product.

Is Ethyl Oleate natural or synthetic?

Ethyl Oleate is produced synthetically by combining ethanol with oleic acid, though both starting materials can originate from plant sources. It is therefore typically described as synthetic or nature-derived depending on its feedstock. The finished ingredient is a purified ester.

Sunscreens with Ethyl Oleate

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

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