A malic acid ester used as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
What it is
Diethylhexyl malate is the diester of malic acid and 2-ethylhexanol, a branched alcohol. CosIng lists it as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of lip products, makeup and other products containing oils.
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.
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.

