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Ethylhexylglycerin

Contributing to texture and performance of skincare products
Functions: deodorant, skin conditioning

Ethylhexylglycerin

Ethylhexylglycerin is a multi-functional active used very frequently in skin care and cosmetic formulations together with the quite popular preservative phenoxyethanol. Mainly, it works to enhance the effectiveness of phenoxyethanol or other preservatives in their action against microbes, hence prolonging the use life of a product and keeping it free from microbial contamination. In other words, ethylhexylglycerin is a gentle helper that amplifies the efficacy of preservatives, directly contributing to product stability and safety-very important for assurance in consumers.
Beyond its enhancing property for preservatives, ethylhexylglycerin also works as a skin-conditioning agent. It is also known to confer an attractive, silky feel on the skin, which would enhance the cosmetic feel of any product upon application to the skin. This, indeed, makes this ingredient an emollient-that softens and smoothes out the skin-formulations have a rich and moisturizing feel. Ethylhexylglycerin is classified as a medium-spreading emollient, which means that it provides easy spreading on the skin without leaving a greasy residue. It is a particular quality useful for everyday products, which are required to be light but give certain moisture in the same way.
In addition to its emollient properties, ethylhexylglycerin acts as a humectant by pulling moisture toward the skin and preventing hydration from escaping. This assists dry or dehydrated skin types in achieving a plump, fuller appearance. With these hydrating properties added to its preservative-enhancing capability, the multifunctional use of ethylhexylglycerin in a formulation is achieved.
It is also known for its mildness, hence generally used in formulations that deal with sensitive skin. Its mildness minimizes any possibility of irritation, which again is an important consideration during product development for those products targeting sensitive or reactive skin.

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