Ethylhexyl glycerin

Ethylhexylglycerin (EHG) is incorporated in personal care formulations. It can be found in hair and skin care products, lotions, cleansers, deodorants, makeup, and suntan products. EHG may function as a preservative (or preservative booster), surfactant, or skin conditioner.

EHG acts as a preservative by disrupting the surface tension and potentially damaging a bacteria’s cell membrane. In this way, EHG may enhance the function of other preservatives, such as phenoxyethanol, isothiazolinones, or parabens.

As a surfactant, EHG lowers the surface tension between two substances. This is useful in skincare and cosmetics where mixtures of oil and water-based ingredients are required.

Regarding skin conditioning, EHG is an emollient and mild humectant.