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Ethylhexyl Stearate

What Ethylhexyl Stearate is & what it does

An emollient ester that conditions and lubricates skin, giving creams a smooth, rich glide. It also helps dissolve oil-based filters.

What is Ethylhexyl Stearate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Ethylhexyl Stearate is an emollient ester that softens and conditions the skin while giving a cream a smooth, rich glide. In a sunscreen it also acts as a solvent, helping dissolve the oil-soluble UV filters so they spread evenly across the skin. The result is a more pleasant, less greasy-feeling texture that helps the filters lay down in a uniform film.

Is Ethylhexyl Stearate safe?

Yes. It is a widely used cosmetic ester that has long been regarded as safe and well tolerated in skincare and sun care. It sits on the surface as a conditioning agent and is not associated with irritation for most people at the levels used in sunscreen.

Does Ethylhexyl Stearate clog pores?

Generally no, but it depends on your skin. It is an emollient ester rather than a heavy oil, and our data does not flag it as a notable comedogenic ingredient. Very acne-prone skin can occasionally react to rich esters, so if you break out easily you may prefer a lighter formula, while most people tolerate it fine.

What else is Ethylhexyl Stearate called?

Ethylhexyl Stearate is the INCI name printed on the label, and it is the ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and stearic acid. You may also see it written as octyl stearate, an older common name for the same ingredient. It usually appears in the oil phase of the list, near the emollients and filters it helps dissolve.

Is Ethylhexyl Stearate a UV filter?

No. Ethylhexyl Stearate is an emollient and solvent, not a sunscreen active. It is easy to confuse because its name resembles several chemical filters that also start with ethylhexyl, but it provides no UV protection. Its job is to condition the skin and help dissolve the actual filters into a smooth film.

Sunscreens with Ethylhexyl Stearate

We rate 204 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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