An ester of 2-ethylhexanoic acid and C12-13 alcohols, listed as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
What it is
C12-13 alkyl ethylhexanoate is the ester of 2-ethylhexanoic acid with fatty alcohols having 12 to 13 carbon atoms. CosIng lists it as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not show the exact proportions of the C12 and C13 alcohols.
Functions
- Skin conditioning – emollient
- Acting as lubricants on the skin surface providing the skin with a soft and smooth appearance.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.

