2-Ethylhexyl Stearate Cosmetic Grade 2-EHS CAS 22047-49-0
- CAS: 22047-49-0
- Synonyms: Octyl stearate; 2-Ethylhexyl octadecanoate
- EINECS No.: 244-693-3
- Molecular Formula: C26H52O2
- Grade: Cosmetic Grade
- Packaging: 25 kg / 200 kg HDPE drums; 1,000 L IBC totes; bulk liquid supply available upon request.
Formulation Characteristics
In high-oil cosmetic systems, excessive drag and residual heaviness can affect both product texture and consumer sensory perception. For this reason, 2-EHS is commonly incorporated into emulsions, sunscreen systems, lip products, and cream-based makeup formulations where smoother spreading and lighter skin finish are required.
Tree Chem cosmetic-grade 2-EHS can be incorporated into silicone systems, ester blends, hydrocarbon phases, and vegetable-oil formulations without significantly affecting emulsion stability, making it suitable for a wide range of personal care manufacturing systems.
Specification
Basic Information
| Item | Specification |
| Product Name | 2-Ethylhexyl Stearate |
| Abbreviation | 2-EHS |
| CAS No. | 22047-49-0 |
| Synonyms | Octyl stearate; 2-Ethylhexyl octadecanoate |
| Molecular Formula | C26H52O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 396.69 |
| EINECS No. | 244-693-3 |
| Grade | Cosmetic Grade |
Technical Specification
| Parameter | Cosmetic Grade |
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow transparent liquid |
| Odor | Odorless or slight characteristic odor |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | ≤0.2 |
| Saponification Value (mg KOH/g) | 150–155 |
| Iodine Value (gI₂/100g) | ≤1.0 |
| Peroxide Value (meq/kg) | ≤0.6 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤0.1 |
| Color (APHA) | ≤50 |
Formulation Considerations for 2-EHS
Skin Feel Adjustment in Oil-Rich Systems
High-oil formulations can sometimes leave excessive residue or slow absorption on the skin surface. 2-EHS is often added to reduce heaviness and create a smoother transition during spreading, especially in facial emulsions and lightweight moisturizing systems.
Use in Sunscreen and UV Filter Systems
Many sunscreen formulations require esters capable of maintaining compatibility with oil-soluble UV filters while still providing acceptable sensory properties. 2-EHS is frequently used in these systems because it contributes to easier application and less greasy after-feel compared with heavier emollient oils.
Pigment Wetting in Color Cosmetics
Foundation systems, cream blushes, lipsticks, and BB creams often require controlled pigment dispersion to improve visual uniformity. In these formulations, 2-EHS can assist pigment wetting and help reduce uneven color distribution during processing.
Texture Balance in Emulsions
In cream and lotion systems, formulators sometimes use 2-EHS to reduce waxy or sticky texture buildup. The ester helps soften the oil phase profile while maintaining a more fluid sensory character during product application.
Compatibility With Multiple Oil Phases
2-EHS can generally be incorporated into silicone systems, hydrocarbon systems, ester blends, vegetable oils, and wax-containing formulations without major compatibility issues. This flexibility allows cosmetic chemists to adjust oil-phase structure more freely during formulation development.
Silicone-Alternative Sensory Design
In silicone-reduced or silicone-free formulations, 2-EHS is often selected when smoother spreading and lower drag are required without introducing excessive heaviness into the finished product.
Oxidation Stability in Finished Formulations
Products containing natural oils, botanical extracts, fragrances, or sensitive actives may require tighter control of peroxide value and color stability. Cosmetic grade 2-EHS is therefore commonly selected in formulations where storage appearance and odor consistency are monitored closely.
Typical Downstream Applications
| Application Area | Typical Function |
| Sunscreen Emulsions | Improve spreading and reduce greasy residue |
| Cream Foundations | Pigment wetting and texture adjustment |
| Facial Creams | Lightweight emollient phase |
| Lip Products | Improve glide and softness |
| BB / CC Creams | Oil-phase texture optimization |
| Hair Care Systems | Conditioning and smooth sensory finish |
Storage & Handling
- Store in tightly sealed containers under dry and ventilated conditions
- Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat and direct sunlight
- Keep transfer systems clean to reduce contamination risk
- Avoid contact with strong oxidizing materials
- Recommended storage temperature: below 35°C
Packaging & Supply Options
- 25 kg / 200 kg HDPE drums
- 1,000 L IBC totes
- Bulk liquid supply available upon request
- Each package labeled with product name, batch number, and net weight
Supply Notes
2-EHS cosmetic grade is commonly sourced for:
- sunscreen emulsions
- makeup oil-phase systems
- lightweight skincare textures
- silicone-reduced formulations
- pigment-containing cosmetic products
- Packaging and logistics options can be adjusted according to production scale, export requirements, and filling systems.
Product Feature
Cosmetic Ester Performance Comparison
| Comparison Factor | 2-EHS (Ethylhexyl Stearate) | IPM | IPP | 2-EHO | IOS |
| Skin Feel | Soft and silky | Very light | Dry and fast-spreading | Rich and nourishing | Elegant premium touch |
| Greasiness Level | Medium-low | Very low | Low | Medium-high | Low |
| Moisturizing Performance | Strong | Moderate | Moderate-low | Strong | Excellent |
| Spreadability | Excellent | Very high | High | Medium | Excellent |
| Penetration Speed | Moderate | Fast | Very fast | Moderate | Balanced |
| Oxidation Stability | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Lower | Excellent |
| Sensory Profile | Balanced moisturizing and smooth feel | Fresh and dry touch | Lightweight and quick absorption | Rich emollient feel | Luxurious skin finish |
| Pigment Dispersion | Good | Moderate | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| UV Filter Compatibility | Good | Good | Moderate | Good | Excellent |
| Common Applications | Creams, lotions, sunscreens, makeup | Spray products, serums | Light emulsions | Body creams | Premium skincare |
Why Many Formulators Choose 2-EHS
- Balanced Sensory Performance
Compared with highly dry esters such as IPM and IPP, 2-EHS provides a more balanced sensory profile between spreadability, softness, and moisturizing feel. It creates a comfortable after-feel without excessive heaviness.
- Better Moisturizing Feel Than Fast-Dry Esters
While IPM and IPP are often selected for quick spreading and fast absorption, 2-EHS is frequently preferred in formulations that require a softer and more conditioned skin feel.
- More Cost-Effective Than Premium Specialty Esters
Compared with higher-cost specialty esters such as IOS, 2-EHS offers strong formulation versatility and pleasant sensory performance while remaining suitable for large-scale commercial cosmetic production.
- Suitable for Multiple Cosmetic Systems
2-EHS performs well in creams, lotions, sunscreens, makeup systems, cleansing oils, and personal care emulsions. Its compatibility with pigments, oils, waxes, UV filters, and silicone systems gives formulators greater flexibility.
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