Glyceryl Lauryl Ether

What Is It?

Ethylhexylglycerin is an alkyl glyceryl etherAn organic compound that contains an oxygen atom bound to two hydrocarbon groups. An ether compound is often represented by R-O-R’.. This means that the ethylhexyl group is bound to glycerin at one end by an ether linkage. Although they are also alkyl glyceryl ethers, Batyl AlcoholAlcohols are a large class of important cosmetic ingredients but only ethanol needs to be denatured to prevent it from being redirected from cosmetic applications to alcoholic beverages. and Chimyl Alcohol (may also be called Cetyl Glyceryl Ether) have traditionally been used as cosmetic labeling names for these alkyl glyceryl ethers. Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether are also alkyl glyceryl ethers that may be used in cosmetic products.

Despite the different types of names for these ingredients, they all consist of an alkyl group bound to glycerin by an ether linkage. Ethylhexylglycerin and the other alkyl glyceryl ether ingredients may be used in bath products, body and hand products, cleansing products, deodorants, eye makeup, foundations, hair care products and suntan products.

Why Is It Used?

The following functions have been reported for the alkyl glyceryl ether ingredients:

Deodorant agentIngredients that reduce or eliminate unpleasant odor and that protect against the formation of such odors on the skin. — Ethylhexylglycerin
Emulsion stabilizerIngredients that help to keep an emulsion from separating into its oil and liquid components. — Batyl Alcohol
Skin-conditioning agent — emollient — Chimyl Alcohol, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether
Skin-conditioning agent — miscellaneous — Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin-conditioning agent — occlusive — Batyl Alcohol
Surfactants — emulsifying agent –Glyceryl Lauryl Ether

In cosmetic products, Ethylhexylglycerin has also been reported to enhance the function of some preservatives.

Scientific Facts

The alkyl glyceryl ether ingredients, including Ethylhexylglycerin are solids at room temperature and are generally poorly soluble in water. Ethylhexylglycerin may enhance the function of preservatives by affecting the cellThe basic structural and functional unit of all organisms; cells may exist as independent units of life or may form colonies or tissues as in higher plants and animals. walls of bacteria promoting destruction of the bacteria by the preservativeIngredients that prevent or retard bacterial growth, and thus protect cosmetic products from spoilage..

Safety Information

The safety of Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient ReviewThe Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) was established in 1976 as an independent safety review program for cosmetic ingredients. The CIR Expert Panel consists of independent experts in dermatology, toxicology, pharmacolgy and veterinary medicine. The CIR includes participation by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Consumer Federation of America. (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data and concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetics.

CIR Safety Review:

The CIR Expert Panel reviewed the safety of alkyl glyceryl ethers including Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol (also called Cetyl Glyceryl Ether), Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether. Data reviewed indicated that about 50% of the Ethylhexylglycerin placed on the skin may be absorbed. Large oral doses of Ethylhexylglycerin for 13-weeks resulted in effects on the liver. Lower doses did not cause any adverse effects. Ethylhexylglycerin was not a reproductive or developmental toxicant. Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol and Batyl Alcohol were not genotoxic. Undiluted Ethylhexylglycerin is an eye irritant, while a 5% concentration only causes mild eye irritation. Undiluted Ethylhexylglycerin and Chimyl Alcohol are mild skin irritants. Ethylhexylglycerin is not a dermal sensitizer.

Based on the available data and the similar structures of these ingredients, the CIR Expert Panel concluded that Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether were safe as used in cosmetic products. The alkyl glyceryl ethers, including Ethylhexylglycerin, may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Regulation of the European UnionUnder the general provisions of the cosmetics regulation of the EU, ingredients appearing on the following function-specific annexes must comply with the listed restrictions and/or specifications: colorants (Annex IV), preservatives (Annex V), UV filters (Annex VI) and other ingredients with specific concentration limits and/or other restrictions (Annex III). Ingredients specifically prohibited from use in cosmetic products are listed in Annex II. Other ingredients listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient database (CosIng) may be used without restrictions..

Link to the EU Cosmetic Regulation: http://europa.eu/legislation_summaries/consumers/product_labelling_and_packaging/co0013_en.htm

More Scientific Information

Ethylhexylglycerin, Chimyl Alcohol, Batyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Lauryl Ether and Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether are all ethers. For these ether compounds, one group is glycerin which has two additional hydroxyl groups. The presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) groups has resulted in two of these compounds being named as alcohols.

Resources

Search the Code of Federal Regulations http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/cfrsearch.cfm

EU Cosmetics Inventory http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/cosmetics/inci/inci_2006.pdf