Ethylhexyl Benzoate
What Ethylhexyl Benzoate is & what it does
Ethylhexyl Benzoate is the ester of benzoic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, a clear, lightweight synthetic emollient oil. In sunscreens and skincare it acts as a solvent that dissolves and stabilizes UV filters and other oil-soluble actives, giving products a smooth, non-greasy spread. It also functions as a skin-conditioning agent that leaves a soft after-feel.
What does Ethylhexyl Benzoate do in skincare?
Ethylhexyl Benzoate is a lightweight emollient and solvent. In sunscreens it is especially useful for dissolving and stabilizing oil-soluble UV filters, helping them spread evenly and stay effective. It also gives formulas a smooth, non-greasy skin feel.
Is Ethylhexyl Benzoate comedogenic?
Ethylhexyl Benzoate is a light ester oil and is generally regarded as low on the comedogenic scale, though individual reactions vary. It is often chosen precisely because it feels light and non-greasy compared with heavier oils. If you are acne-prone, you may want to monitor how your skin responds.
Is Ethylhexyl Benzoate natural or synthetic?
Ethylhexyl Benzoate is synthetic. It is made by combining benzoic acid with 2-ethylhexanol to form an ester. While benzoic acid occurs in nature, the cosmetic ingredient is manufactured for consistency and purity.
Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Benzoate
We rate 25 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Cliniderm Mattifying Fluid Sun Face Fluid Spf 50+
95/100
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ACO Sun Face Fluid Mattifying Spf 50+
95/100
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Biodermal Mattifying Spf 50
92/100
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Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid Spf 50+
91/100
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Cantabria Labs Heliocare 360 Heliocare Md Ak Fluid SPF 100
80/100
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Sunlab Kids SPF
73/100
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Heliocare 360 Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50
71/100
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Sun Lab Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
69/100
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Banana Boat Baby Advanced Protection SPF 50
66/100
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Unblemished skincare solutions Protect Me! SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
64/100