Ethoxyethanol Acetate

AKA “2-Ethoxyethyl acetate, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER ACETATE, Cellosolve acetate, Oxitol acetate, Oxytol acetate, 2-Ethoxyethanol acetate, Ethyl cellosolve acetate, 1-Acetoxy-2-ethoxyethane”

Synthetic

Ingredient Facts

Ethoxyethanol acetate

AKA: 2-Ethoxyethyl acetate, ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER ACETATE, Cellosolve acetate, Oxitol acetate, Oxytol acetate, 2-Ethoxyethanol acetate, Ethyl cellosolve acetate, 1-Acetoxy-2-ethoxyethane

Synthetic · Emollient · EWG: 4

Synthetic

Emollient

Occlusive

Solvent

Skin Conditioner

Synthetic

Clean

A solvent that helps blend and dissolve other ingredients in formulas, ensuring smooth, even application and consistent product texture.

Solubility greater than or equal to 100 mg/mL at 66 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C6H12O3

Mol. Weight

132.16

CAS #

111-15-9

Form

Liquid

State

Ethylene glycol monoethyl ether acetate appears as a clear colorless liquid with a pleasant odor. Flash point of 120 °F. Less dense than water. Vapors are heavier than air.

See origin →

Functions

Solvent

Dissolves other ingredients so they distribute evenly in the formula. Often the invisible "base" everything else is mixed into.

Viscosity Controlling

Film Forming

Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.

Emollient

Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.

Dissolves Ingredients

Locks In Moisture

Dissolves other ingredients

Traditional Use

A synthetic ester solvent created in the early 20th century for industrial applications. Later incorporated into cosmetics as a solvent and fragrance carrier with improved stability compared to simple alcohols.