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Ethylhexyl Olivate

What Ethylhexyl Olivate is & what it does

Ethylhexyl Olivate is an ester derived from olive oil fatty acids and 2-ethylhexanol. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it acts as an emollient that softens the skin and improves the spread and feel of the product. A notable property is its light, non-greasy slip, which makes it a popular plant-derived alternative to heavier emollient oils.

Is Ethylhexyl Olivate safe?

Ethylhexyl Olivate is an olive-derived ester used as an emollient and is generally considered well tolerated in skincare and sunscreen products. It is intended to stay on the skin surface, where it softens and smooths. As with any emollient, very oil-sensitive skin may prefer to patch test first.

Does Ethylhexyl Olivate clog pores?

Ethylhexyl Olivate is generally regarded as a lightweight, low-greasy emollient and is often chosen as a more breathable alternative to heavy oils. Individual responses to any emollient can vary, so people very prone to congestion may want to monitor how their skin reacts. There is no strong indication that it is highly pore-clogging for most users.

Is Ethylhexyl Olivate natural or synthetic?

It is partly plant-derived: the ester is made from olive oil fatty acids combined with 2-ethylhexanol. The starting fatty acids come from a natural source, but the finished ingredient is created through chemical processing, so it is best described as a nature-derived, processed ingredient.

Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Olivate

We rate 44 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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