Ethylhexylglycerin

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about ethylhexylglycerin. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: Preservatives protect water-containing products from bacteria, yeast, and mold. They do not treat the skin or prevent infection on the skin. Every ORY^® water-based formula should pass a preservative efficacy (challenge) test, such as USP <51> or ISO 11930, before sale.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that ethylhexylglycerin is safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Its chemistry is well documented. The 2-ethylhexanol part may come from plant or petrochemical sources.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: Describes chemistry.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Contact allergy is uncommon but has been reported, including from products labeled hypoallergenic. People with dermatitis-prone skin should patch test.

Citations:

• • Aerts, O., Verhulst, L., & Goossens, A. (2016). Ethylhexylglycerin: A low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in ‘hypo-allergenic’ cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 74(5), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12546
    • What it shows: Case series of ethylhexylglycerin allergy.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Supported. This is a formulation role; ORY^® haircare products are not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions.

Citations:

• • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
    • What it shows: Review of cosmetic preservation.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported. Deodorant use (controlling odor) is a cosmetic use; ORY^® does not claim it reduces sweating, which would be a drug claim. Preservation protects the product, not the skin.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: Describes functions.
  • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x
    • What it shows: Preservation.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. Cold-process bars do not need it.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: Reported uses.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported. Supported by CIR review.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Allergy. Uncommon but documented.
  • Not stand-alone. Must be paired with a primary preservative.
  • Stinging on broken skin. Can sting on damaged skin.
  • Challenge testing needed. Efficacy must be confirmed in each formula.

Citations:

• • Aerts, O., Verhulst, L., & Goossens, A. (2016). Ethylhexylglycerin: A low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in ‘hypo-allergenic’ cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 74(5), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12546
    • What it shows: Allergy.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • If you know you are allergic to ethylhexylglycerin, avoid products that contain it.
  • Water-based products are only as safe as their preservation. Keep lids closed, do not add water to the product, and discard it if it changes color, smell, or texture.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
    • What it shows: Safety conclusion.
  • Aerts, O., Verhulst, L., & Goossens, A. (2016). Ethylhexylglycerin: A low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in ‘hypo-allergenic’ cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 74(5), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12546
    • What it shows: Allergy.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap line: Cold-process bars contain very little free water and do not need this preservative. It is used only in liquid soaps, cream soaps, and water-containing syndet products; syndet and cream products are cosmetics under FDA rules, not soap, and list all of their ingredients.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Aerts, O., Verhulst, L., & Goossens, A. (2016). Ethylhexylglycerin: A low-risk, but highly relevant, sensitizer in ‘hypo-allergenic’ cosmetics. Contact Dermatitis, 74(5), 281–288. https://doi.org/10.1111/cod.12546
  • Johnson, W., Jr., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., et al. (2013). Safety assessment of alkyl glyceryl ethers as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 32(5 Suppl), 5S–21S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581813497766
  • Lundov, M. D., Moesby, L., Zachariae, C., & Johansen, J. D. (2009). Contamination versus preservation of cosmetics: A review on legislation, usage, infections, and contact allergy. Contact Dermatitis, 60(2), 70–78. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0536.2008.01501.x

Government and regulatory sources

• • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20