Is ethylhexylglycerin safe for the skin?

No. Ethylhexylglycerin (CAS:70445-33-9) is an alkyl glycerol ether produced by the reaction of 2-ethylhexanol with glycerol. This ingredient is widely used in various cosmetics due to its combined properties as a surfactant, emollient, and its deodorising and antibacterial efficacy. Research confirms its ability to enhance the efficacy of preservatives and other antimicrobial agents (such as chlorhexidine gluconate and benzalkonium chloride) within alcohol-based hand sanitisers. However, ethylhexylglycerin is a highly relevant cosmetic allergen, even within products claiming safety. Although only a handful of cases of ethylhexylglycerin-induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) have been reported to date, primarily from cosmetics (including moisturisers, deodorants, and sunscreens), recent reports indicate that ethylhexylglycerin may also trigger occupational ACD in alcohol-based hand sanitiser formulations.

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