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Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate

What Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is & what it does

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is an emollient ester derived from olive oil fatty acids. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it conditions the skin, imparts a soft, smooth feel, and can help disperse and stabilize other ingredients. The hydrogenation step makes it more stable and resistant to oxidation than the non-hydrogenated form.

What does Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate do in skincare?

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is an olive-derived emollient ester that softens and smooths the skin and gives formulas a light, silky feel. It can also help disperse and stabilize other ingredients such as pigments and filters. It is commonly used in moisturizers and sunscreens for a pleasant after-feel.

Is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate comedogenic or does it clog pores?

Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is often chosen as a relatively light emollient and is generally considered low on the pore-clogging scale, though individual responses vary. Olive-derived esters like this are usually better tolerated than heavier raw plant oils. If you are acne-prone, patch testing a new product remains sensible.

Is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate natural or synthetic?

It is a plant-derived but processed ingredient: the fatty material comes from olive oil, then it is esterified and hydrogenated to create a stable emollient. So it is naturally sourced but chemically modified rather than used in its raw form. Hydrogenation improves its stability and shelf life.

Sunscreens with Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate

We rate 29 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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