This section provides an overview of ethylhexylglycerin (EHG), covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Also, please check out the introduction to ethylhexylglycerin manufacturers, supply chain issues, ethylhexylglycerin suppliers, and ethylhexylglycerin prices. Sinofi can help you buy ethylhexylglycerin at bulk wholesale prices based on CAS 70445-33-9.
Table of Contents
What is Ethylhexylglycerin?
Ethylhexylglycerin has evolved from a niche specialty additive into a strategically important raw material within the global personal care and cosmetics industry. Its dual function as a preservative booster and deodorizing agent, combined with its compatibility with paraben-free and sulfate-free formulation trends, has driven sustained demand growth across both established and emerging markets. It offers formulators a rare combination of mildness, antimicrobial support, and sensory benefit. Originally introduced by Schülke & Mayr (acquired by Ashland), the ingredient has since been adopted globally as a preferred companion to traditional preservative systems and as a stand-alone deodorizing and skin-conditioning agent. Growth in skincare, sun care, and natural-positioning products has been particularly influential, as formulators increasingly seek mild, multifunctional alternatives to traditional preservatives. The shift away from parabens, formaldehyde donors, and isothiazolinones, driven by both regulatory pressure and consumer preference, has further reinforced the role of ethylhexylglycerin in modern preservation systems built around phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, and organic acids. Ethylhexylglycerin is an alkyl glyceryl ether and consists of a hydrophilic glycerol backbone covalently linked through an ether bond to a branched 2-ethylhexyl chain, giving the molecule a distinctly amphiphilic character. It exhibits limited but useful solubility in water (approximately 1 percent) and is fully miscible with most cosmetic oils, glycols, and alcohols. The compound is stable across a broad pH range (typically 3 to 12) and remains chemically inert under normal storage and processing conditions, including temperatures encountered during hot-process emulsification. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), ethylhexylglycerin is approved to be used in the personal care and cosmetic industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Ethylhexylglycerin has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like EU CosIng, ECHACHEM, IFRA, SPIN, EPA, and Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has an extensive safety record supported by toxicological evaluation and decades of consumer use. It is approved for use in cosmetic products in all major regulatory jurisdictions, including the European Union, the United States, China, Japan, and ASEAN markets, and it carries no restrictions under the EU Cosmetics Regulation Annexes governing preservatives or restricted substances. Dermatological studies have consistently demonstrated low irritation and sensitization potential at standard use levels, supporting its reputation as a skin-friendly alternative to harsher antimicrobial agents.
CAS No.: 70445-33-9
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of ethylhexylglycerin is 70445-33-9.
CAS Name: 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol
Molecular Formula: C11H24O3
Molecular Mass: 204.31
Appearance: Colorless oily liquid.
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: No
Boiling Point: 325.00 to 326.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Flash Point: 304.00 °F. TCC ( 150.90 °C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils
Other Names:
♦ 1,2-Propanediol, 3-[(2-ethylhexyl)oxy]-
♦ EHG
♦ Sensiva SC 50
♦ Glycerol α-(2-ethylhexyl) ether
♦ Glyceryl 1-mono(2-ethylhexyl) ether
♦ Ethyl hexyl glycerin
♦ Ethylhexyl glycerin
Bulk Ethylhexylglycerin Manufacturers
Bulk ethylhexylglycerin manufacturing is no longer the exclusive domain of a single innovator but a globally distributed industry supported by European pioneers, a strong Asian production base, and a sophisticated distribution network. Top ethylhexylglycerin manufacturers like Ashland and Evonik produce premium-grade ethylhexylglycerin and continue to supply many of the world’s leading multinational personal care brands. Their reputation rests on consistent quality, comprehensive regulatory documentation, and a strong technical service capability that supports formulators in optimizing preservation systems. From a regional standpoint, Europe remains the historical center of innovation and high-purity production, while the Asia-Pacific region, led by China, has become the dominant source of volume supply. North America represents a substantial consumption market but relies heavily on imports for its bulk requirements.
Sinofi is a bulk ethylhexylglycerin manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of ethylhexylglycerin. We supply high-quality ethylhexylglycerin at bulk prices and serve cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Ethylhexylglycerin
The manufacturing of ethylhexylglycerin is a mature but technically demanding process that combines well-established epoxide chemistry with rigorous purification to deliver a product suitable for direct use in personal care formulations.
Glycidyl Ether Route
The most widely employed industrial synthesis of EHG proceeds in two principal stages. In the first stage, 2-ethylhexanol is reacted with epichlorohydrin in the presence of a base, typically sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide, to form 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether. This reaction is conducted under carefully controlled conditions to maximize the formation of the desired glycidyl ether while minimizing the formation of chlorohydrin intermediates and oligomeric by-products. The reaction is generally performed at moderate temperatures, typically in the range of 40 to 80 degrees Celsius, with vigorous stirring and stoichiometric control of the alkali to ensure complete dehydrochlorination. Phase-transfer catalysts or alkaline aqueous-organic biphasic systems are sometimes employed to enhance reaction efficiency and selectivity. After completion, the resulting 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is separated from inorganic salts by aqueous workup and purified by distillation under reduced pressure to remove unreacted alcohol and high-boiling impurities.
In the second stage, the purified 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether is subjected to controlled hydrolytic ring-opening to convert the epoxide functionality into the vicinal diol that characterizes EHG. This hydrolysis is typically conducted in the presence of water and a catalyst. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures, generally between 80 and 120 degrees Celsius, with careful control of water stoichiometry to favor mono-hydrolysis to the diol while suppressing oligomerization through self-condensation of the epoxide. Following hydrolysis, the catalyst is neutralized, salts are removed by aqueous extraction or filtration, and the crude EHG is subjected to vacuum distillation or thin-film evaporation to deliver the final product at the required purity specification.
Alternative and Direct Synthetic Approaches
Although the two-stage glycidyl ether route dominates industrial practice, alternative synthetic strategies have been developed and are practiced by some manufacturers. One such approach involves the direct etherification of 2-ethylhexanol with glycidol, which already contains the diol functionality in protected form as the epoxide. This single-step alkylation eliminates the need for a separate hydrolysis stage and can be performed under acid or base catalysis, although it requires careful selectivity control to avoid polymerization of glycidol and the formation of polyether by-products.
Bulk Ethylhexylglycerin Suppliers
The bulk ethylhexylglycerin supply has matured into a sophisticated, globally distributed ecosystem that offers buyers a wide range of sourcing options across primary manufacturers, authorized distributors, independent traders, and digital marketplaces. Top ethylhexylglycerin suppliers like Ashland and Evonik operate dedicated synthesis capacity and supply both directly to large multinational personal care companies and indirectly through distribution partners. They offer a combination of consistent quality, comprehensive regulatory documentation, and technical service. In Asia, a growing number of primary manufacturers also operate direct supply relationships with international buyers. Chinese ethylhexylglycerin manufacturers have invested significantly in export-oriented sales infrastructure, international regulatory documentation, and dedicated logistics teams capable of managing global shipments. These direct relationships have become increasingly attractive to mid-sized cosmetic manufacturers seeking to reduce intermediary costs while maintaining access to consistent quality material.
Sinofi is a bulk ethylhexylglycerin supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality ethylhexylglycerin. We sell different grades of ethylhexylglycerin at wholesale prices, serving end-users in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
Supply Chain of Ethylhexylglycerin
The supply chain for ethylhexylglycerin represents a case study in the broader dynamics of specialty chemical sourcing within the global personal care industry.
Supply Chain Structure Overview
The ethylhexylglycerin supply chain can be described as a six-tier structure, each tier representing a distinct stage of value creation and commercial exchange.
Raw Material Supply
The upstream foundation of the ethylhexylglycerin supply chain rests on the supply of two principal raw materials: 2-ethylhexanol and a glycidyl precursor, most commonly epichlorohydrin or, in some cases, glycidol. 2-Ethylhexanol is a commodity petrochemical produced on a large scale globally, with major production concentrated in China, the United States, Germany, and Southeast Asia. Epichlorohydrin, the second critical input for the dominant manufacturing route, is similarly a large-volume petrochemical, with major producers including Dow, Solvay, and a number of Chinese manufacturers.
Intermediate Production
The second tier of the supply chain involves the synthesis of the key chemical intermediate, typically 2-ethylhexyl glycidyl ether, from the raw materials described above. This synthesis is performed through the reaction of 2-ethylhexanol with epichlorohydrin under alkaline conditions, yielding the glycidyl ether that is subsequently hydrolyzed to produce ethylhexylglycerin.
Primary Manufacture of Ethylhexylglycerin
The third tier represents the core of the supply chain: the conversion of intermediates into cosmetic-grade ethylhexylglycerin through hydrolytic ring-opening of the glycidyl ether, followed by purification to meet industry specifications. This tier is occupied by a relatively concentrated group of primary manufacturers. Chinese manufacturers have become the dominant source of volume production
Distribution, Trading, and Logistics
The fourth tier encompasses the distribution and trading network that connects primary manufacturers to the formulators and brand owners who consume ethylhexylglycerin. This tier is itself multi-layered, comprising global specialty chemical distributors, regional distributors, independent trading houses, and, increasingly, digital business-to-business platforms.
Cosmetic Formulators and Brand Owners
The fifth tier comprises the cosmetic manufacturers, contract formulators, and brand owners who incorporate ethylhexylglycerin into finished personal care products. This tier is highly diverse, ranging from multinational consumer goods companies with in-house procurement and quality assurance organizations to small independent brands relying on contract manufacturers for production. The ingredient’s versatility means it is used across virtually every product category, including skincare, sun care, color cosmetics, deodorants, hair care, baby care, and intimate hygiene, with typical use concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1.0 percent.
Retail and Professional Channels
The final tier of the supply chain encompasses the retail, e-commerce, and professional channels through which finished personal care products reach end consumers. While this tier is the most removed from the bulk ingredient supply chain, it exerts a growing influence on upstream dynamics through consumer demand signals. The increasing consumer preference for products that are labeled as paraben-free, gentle, or suitable for sensitive skin has directly supported demand for ethylhexylglycerin as a key component of mild preservation systems.
Wholesale and Buy Ethylhexylglycerin in Bulk
Wholesale and bulk procurement of ethylhexylglycerin is a strategic activity that materially affects the cost structure, product quality, and supply security of any organization engaged in personal care manufacturing. As an ingredient that has become integral to modern preservation systems and gentle deodorizing formulations, ethylhexylglycerin is purchased in volumes ranging from a few hundred kilograms for small contract formulators to multiple metric tons per month for large multinational brand owners. Effective purchasing of this ingredient requires a structured approach that balances cost, quality, regulatory compliance, and supply security, and it draws on the full range of disciplines associated with modern strategic sourcing.
Defining Bulk and Wholesale in the Ethylhexylglycerin Market
Wholesale purchasing generally refers to volumes ranging from several hundred kilograms to a few metric tons per order, while bulk purchasing typically denotes annual volumes of five metric tons or more, often supplied under structured supply agreements. These volume thresholds influence the available supplier base, the applicable pricing structures, and the commercial terms that can be negotiated, and they should be clearly understood at the outset of any sourcing initiative.
Establishing Specifications and Quality Requirements
The foundation of any effective bulk procurement program is a clear and complete specification document. For ethylhexylglycerin, this specification should define the required minimum purity, typically 99 percent or higher, and establish acceptable limits for color, odor, water content, residual 2-ethylhexanol, organochlorine impurities, peroxide value, heavy metals, and microbial contamination. Sophisticated buyers also include specifications for appearance, refractive index, and in some cases, specific impurity markers that have been correlated with downstream formulation performance.
Ethylhexylglycerin buyers should also establish clear documentation requirements. These typically include certificates of analysis for each batch, safety data sheets compliant with the regulations of target markets, allergen and impurity declarations, and certifications.
Supplier Identification and Qualification
The supplier base for ethylhexylglycerin is globally distributed, with primary manufacturers concentrated in Germany and other parts of Europe, and a substantial production base in China. Secondary supply is available through global specialty chemical distributors, regional traders, and digital business-to-business platforms. Supplier qualification is a multi-stage process that should begin with a documentation review covering quality systems, manufacturing capability, regulatory compliance, and financial stability.
Quality Assurance and Incoming Inspection
A robust incoming quality assurance program is essential to managing the risks associated with bulk ingredient procurement. At a minimum, every shipment of ethylhexylglycerin should be accompanied by a certificate of analysis from the manufacturer, and the receiving organization should establish a sampling and testing protocol appropriate to its risk tolerance and regulatory environment. For most buyers, this involves at least visual inspection and basic identification testing on every lot, with periodic more extensive testing against the full specification, either internally or through an independent laboratory.
As a bulk ethylhexylglycerin manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. We also supply ethylhexylglycerin to small customers. Normally, they want to buy ethylhexylglycerin in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell ethylhexylglycerin at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Ethylhexylglycerin Prices (USD/Kg)
Cosmetic Grade Ethylhexylglycerin Prices (GC Content >=99.5%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 9 USD | Express |
| 500g | 36 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 52 USD/Kg | Express |
| 25Kg | >=25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Cosmetic-grade ethylhexylglycerin prices in these two years sit broadly in the USD 35–60/kg range in the North America market and the EUR 30–55/kg range in Europe, while branded, distillation-grade material from Ashland typically commands a 20–40% premium, reflecting purity, IP-protected stabilization, and regulatory dossiers. After a 2021–2023 spike driven by COVID-era demand for personal hygiene products, European energy/feedstock inflation, and freight disruption, prices softened through 2024 and have continued to drift lower into 2026 as Chinese capacity expanded. Pharmaceutical/USP grade ethylhexylglycerin price suggests a 25–45% uplift over cosmetic grade.
Furthermore, the above ethylhexylglycerin price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of EHG. However, the bulk wholesale prices of ethylhexylglycerin will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Ethylhexylglycerin Specification
| Appearance | Colorless, clear oily liquid. |
| Odor: | Neutral |
| Purity (Mixture of isomers, GC) | >=99.5% |
| Density (20°C) | 0.95 – 0.96 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.449 – 1.453 |
| Color | <=20 |
Ethylhexylglycerin Uses
The uses of ethylhexylglycerin span virtually every category of modern personal care and cosmetic formulation, reflecting the unique combination of preservative-enhancing, deodorizing, skin-conditioning, and tolerability benefits that the ingredient delivers within a single well-characterized molecule.
Use as a Preservative Booster
The most prominent and widespread use of EHG is as a preservative booster within cosmetic preservation systems. Although it is not itself classified as a preservative under most regulatory frameworks, it significantly enhances the antimicrobial activity of co-formulated preservatives by increasing the permeability of microbial cell membranes. This boosting effect is most commonly exploited in combination with phenoxyethanol, which has emerged as the dominant primary preservative in modern cosmetic formulations. The combination of phenoxyethanol with EHG has become a near-standard preservation strategy across the industry, offering broad-spectrum protection against bacteria, yeasts, and molds while remaining well within the regulatory limits and tolerability expectations of contemporary product development.
Beyond phenoxyethanol, EHG is used to enhance the activity of benzyl alcohol, organic acids such as benzoic and sorbic acid, and other mild antimicrobial agents. This use is particularly important in the development of products that avoid traditional preservatives such as parabens, formaldehyde donors, and isothiazolinones, where the enhanced efficacy provided by EHG enables formulators to achieve the required level of microbiological protection using gentler primary preservatives.
Use in Deodorants and Antiperspirants
A second major application of EHG is in deodorant and antiperspirant products, where it functions as an effective and well-tolerated deodorizing agent. The ingredient selectively suppresses the growth of gram-positive bacteria responsible for the breakdown of apocrine sweat into malodorous compounds, addressing the underlying biological cause of body odor rather than merely masking it with fragrance. Typical use concentrations in deodorant applications range from 0.5 to 1.0 percent, often in combination with antimicrobial actives, fragrance systems, and skin-conditioning agents. The ingredient is suitable for use in roll-on emulsions, sticks, sprays, creams, and aerosol formats, providing formulation flexibility across the diverse range of deodorant product types available in the market. Its mildness has made it particularly valuable in deodorants positioned for sensitive skin and in products that avoid aluminum salts or other ingredients that have attracted consumer concern.
Use in Facial Skincare
Facial skincare represents one of the largest application areas for EHG, with the ingredient appearing in moisturizing creams and lotions, serums, eye creams, masks, and toners across a wide range of price points and brand positions. In these applications, EHG serves the dual function of supporting the preservation system and contributing to the sensory profile of the finished product. Formulators value the ingredient for its compatibility with a broad range of active ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptides, vitamin derivatives, and botanical extracts, allowing it to be incorporated into sophisticated formulations without compromising the performance of the primary actives. Its mildness also makes it suitable for use in products targeted at sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin, where harsher antimicrobial agents would be inappropriate.
Use in Sun Care Products
Sun care formulations represent another important application area, encompassing sunscreens, after-sun lotions, and sun-protective cosmetic products. The challenges of sun care formulation are considerable, given the need to incorporate effective ultraviolet filters, achieve water resistance, maintain stability under exposure to heat and light, and deliver an acceptable sensory profile. EHG contributes to several of these objectives by supporting the preservation of formulations that are frequently exposed to contamination during consumer use, enhancing the spreadability and after-feel of products containing relatively high levels of UV filters and emollients, and providing compatibility with the wide range of organic and inorganic sunscreen actives commonly used in this category. The ingredient is found in both chemical and mineral sunscreen systems and is suitable for use in lotions, creams, sprays, gels, and stick formats.
Use in Hair Care
In hair care applications, EHG is used in shampoos, conditioners, leave-in treatments, hair masks, and styling products, where it supports preservation and contributes to product mildness. Its compatibility with anionic, cationic, nonionic, and amphoteric surfactants makes it particularly suitable for shampoo formulations, while its sensory contribution is valued in conditioners and leave-in products where the after-feel of the formulation is a key consumer perception driver.
Use in Baby Care and Sensitive Skin Products
The exceptional tolerability profile of EHG has supported its widespread use in baby care formulations and in products designed for individuals with sensitive or reactive skin. Baby lotions, creams, oils, wipes, and bath products frequently incorporate EHG as part of carefully designed mild preservation systems that meet the demanding tolerability requirements of these applications. Similarly, products positioned for adults with sensitive skin, including specialized moisturizers, gentle cleansers, and dermatologically endorsed formulations, rely on the ingredient to enable effective preservation without the irritation potential associated with more aggressive antimicrobial agents. The use of EHG in these applications is supported by extensive dermatological testing and a long history of safe use, making it a preferred choice for formulators developing products for the most tolerability-sensitive segments of the personal care market.
Use in Color Cosmetics
Color cosmetics, including foundations, concealers, lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeliners, mascaras, and eyeshadows, represent a further important application area for EHG. The ingredient is particularly valuable in water-containing color cosmetic formulations, where preservation against microbial contamination is essential, and in products applied to sensitive areas such as the eyes and lips, where mildness is a critical requirement. Its compatibility with pigments, film formers, oils, waxes, and the diverse range of functional ingredients used in color cosmetics supports its incorporation across virtually all product types within this category.
Use in Cleansing and Personal Hygiene Products
Ethylhexylglycerin is widely used in cleansing products, including facial cleansers, body washes, hand washes, and intimate hygiene products. In these applications, the ingredient contributes to preservation while providing compatibility with the surfactant systems that form the functional basis of these formulations. Intimate hygiene products represent a particularly important application, given the demanding tolerability requirements associated with use on sensitive mucosal areas. The mildness of EHG and its deodorizing properties make it well-suited to this category, where it contributes to both the safety and the functional performance of the finished product.
Use in Sun Care, Aftershave, and Men’s Grooming
Men’s grooming products, including aftershaves, beard care formulations, deodorants, and skincare designed for male consumers, represent a growing application area for EHG. The ingredient’s deodorizing properties are particularly valuable in this segment, where odor control is a key consumer benefit, while its mildness supports the development of products suitable for use on freshly shaved skin. Aftershave balms, lotions, and gels frequently incorporate EHG as part of preservation systems designed to deliver both efficacy and tolerability on potentially compromised skin barriers.
Use in Specialty and Therapeutic Applications
Beyond mainstream cosmetic applications, EHG is used in a range of specialty and therapeutic personal care products, including dermatological skincare, postoperative care formulations, and products designed for specific skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis.
Ethylhexylglycerin Benefits
The benefits of ethylhexylglycerin extend across technical performance, formulation flexibility, regulatory acceptance, consumer tolerability, and strategic positioning, making it one of the most valuable multifunctional ingredients available to modern cosmetic chemistry.
Enhancement of Preservative Efficacy
The most widely recognized benefit of EHG is its ability to enhance the antimicrobial performance of cosmetic preservation systems. Although it is not classified as a preservative in its own right, it acts as a powerful booster for established preservatives, most notably phenoxyethanol but also benzyl alcohol, organic acids, and other commonly used antimicrobial agents. The mechanism of this effect is rooted in the surface-active properties of the molecule, which reduce the interfacial tension at microbial cell membranes and increase their permeability to co-formulated preservatives.
Deodorizing Performance
A second well-established benefit of EHG is its action as a deodorizing agent. The molecule selectively suppresses the growth of gram-positive bacteria, particularly those of the Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus genera, which are responsible for the bacterial breakdown of apocrine sweat into the short-chain fatty acids associated with body odor. Unlike traditional deodorant active ingredients such as triclosan, which have come under regulatory scrutiny in recent years, EHG offers effective odor control through a more selective and better-tolerated mechanism.
Skin Conditioning and Sensory Benefits
Beyond its antimicrobial and deodorizing functions, EHG contributes meaningfully to the sensory and skin-conditioning profile of finished formulations. The molecule’s amphiphilic structure, with a hydrophilic glycerol backbone and a lipophilic 2-ethylhexyl chain, provides a mild surface-active effect that improves the spreadability and after-feel of creams, lotions, and serums. Formulators commonly report that products containing EHG exhibit a smoother, less tacky finish than otherwise equivalent formulations, contributing to a more elegant sensory experience and supporting positive consumer perception.
A Hair Mask Containing Ethylhexylglycerin
Include the following ingredients (by weight, total 100):
Hair Care Composition, 20; Glycerin, 2; Behentrimonium Chloride, 2.5; Glyceryl Stearate, 2; PEG-14M, 0.2; Cetearyl Alcohol, 6.5; Bis-Aminopropyl Dimethicone, 1.5; Cyclopentasiloxane and Dimethiconol, 2; Phenoxyethanol, 0.54; Ethylhexylglycerin, 0.06; Purified Water, rest;
Total, 100.
Hair Care Composition
Include the following ingredients (by weight, total 100):
Glutamic Acid, 5; Brassicamidopropyl Dimethylamine, 10; Panthenol, 6; Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, 6; Phenoxyethanol, 0.3; Purified Water, rest;
Total, 100.
In conclusion, ethylhexylglycerin has become one of the most widely adopted multifunctional ingredients in the global cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries, valued for its ability to deliver multiple performance benefits within a single, well-tolerated molecule. As a bulk ethylhexylglycerin manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of ethylhexylglycerin at wholesale prices to clients around the world.