Ethylhexyl Ferulate
What Ethylhexyl Ferulate is & what it does
Ethylhexyl Ferulate is an ester of ferulic acid, a plant-derived antioxidant, combined with 2-ethylhexyl alcohol. This modification makes the molecule more oil-soluble, so it blends easily into the oil phase of creams, lotions, and sunscreens. It is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent, and ferulic acid derivatives are of particular interest in sun-care formulas for their light-stabilizing potential.
What does Ethylhexyl Ferulate do in skincare?
Ethylhexyl Ferulate is an oil-soluble ester of ferulic acid, a plant-derived antioxidant. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as an antioxidant and skin-conditioning agent that blends easily into the oil phase. Ferulic acid derivatives are of particular interest in sun care for their potential to help stabilize formulas against light.
Is Ethylhexyl Ferulate safe?
Ethylhexyl Ferulate is used at low levels in cosmetics as an antioxidant and is generally considered well tolerated in topical formulas. It is a modified form of ferulic acid designed to be oil-soluble. As with any ingredient, patch testing is sensible for sensitive skin, and you should follow the product's directions.
Is Ethylhexyl Ferulate natural or synthetic?
Ethylhexyl Ferulate is a semi-synthetic ingredient: it is made by combining ferulic acid, which occurs naturally in plants, with 2-ethylhexyl alcohol to create an oil-soluble ester. So while it is based on a plant-derived antioxidant, the final ingredient is the product of a chemical modification.
Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Ferulate
We rate 11 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream Spf 50+
90/100
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Heliocare 360° Color Gel Oil-Free Spf 50
86/100
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Heliocare 360 Color Gel Oil Free spf 50
86/100
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SVR Clairial Day Anti-Brown Spot Unifying Corrector SPF 30
85/100
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Heliocare Ultra Cream Spf 90
84/100
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SVR Laboratoires Clairial Cc Crème Sun Protection – Light Spf 50+
83/100
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SVR Clairial Cc Cream SPF 50+
81/100
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Cantabria Labs Heliocare 360 Heliocare Md Ak Fluid SPF 100
80/100
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Heliocare 360 Airgel
78/100
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Heliocare 360° Mineral Fluid Spf 50
78/100