CAS: 70445-33-9
Novaguard EHG (Ethylhexylglycerin) is a multifunctional ingredient commonly used as a preservative, skin-conditioning agent, and emollient. It enhances the antimicrobial effectiveness of other preservatives, making it ideal for extending the shelf life and safety of personal care products. Additionally, it provides moisturizing and skin-softening properties, leaving the skin feeling smooth and hydrated without an oily residue. It is widely used for its gentle yet effective preservation and skin care benefits.
Functions
Applications
Industry
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Novaphene is a privately held specialty chemicals manufacturing company with over 70 years legacy in the chemical industry. Our key areas of focus are personal care ingredients and pharmaceutical intermediates.
Ethylhexylglycerin is also known by the following names and identifiers:
| Product | Description |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexylglycerin |
| CAS Number | 70445-33-9 |
| Chemical Name | 3-[(2-Ethylhexyl)oxy]-1,2-propanediol; Octoxyglycerin |
| Synonym | 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)propane-1,2-diol |
| Other Names | Octoxyglycerin, Octoxyglycerol, 2-Ethylhexyl glyceryl ether |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₁H₂₄O₃ |
| Molecular Weight | 204.31 g/mol |
Novaguard EHG is ChemQuest International’s ethylhexylglycerin, a multifunctional ingredient that serves as both a preservative booster and a skin-conditioning agent in cosmetics, personal care products, and topical formulations.
Unlike single-purpose preservatives, ethylhexylglycerin helps formulators do more with one ingredient. It can boost the antimicrobial effectiveness of traditional preservative systems while also improving spreadability, reducing tackiness, and supporting a smoother after-feel. Its dual benefits have made it a popular choice in clean beauty formulations as a way to minimize preservative percentages without compromising product safety.
As a dependable ethylhexylglycerin supplier, ChemQuest offers high-purity, cosmetic-grade Novaguard EHG as a cosmetic-grade raw material backed by technical documentation and support.
| Property | Value |
| Brand Name | NOVAGUARD EHG |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexylglycerin |
| Synonym | 3-(2-ethylhexyloxy)propane-1,2-Dio |
| CAS Number | 70445-33-9 |
| Molecular Formula | C11H24O3 |
| Molecular Weight | 204.31 g/mol |
| Purity | 99.0 % (Min) |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.95 g/ml |
| Boiling Point | > 285°C |
| Flash Point | 152°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.451 |
| Viscosity | 145mPa s |
| Solubility (water) | Approx 1 g/l |
| EC Number | 408-080-2 |
| HS Code | 29420090 |
Ethylhexylglycerin is compatible with most cosmetic ingredients, including surfactants, emulsifiers, actives, and botanical extracts. It is heat-stable and can be incorporated during hot or cold processing phases, but is best added during the cool-down phase (<50°C) to preserve maximum skin conditioning benefits.
ChemQuest’s Novaguard EHG meets cosmetic-grade purity standards. Certificate of Analysis (COA) available upon request.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a multifunctional ingredient used across personal care and cosmetic formulations. Its dual role as a preservative booster and skin conditioner makes it especially useful in formulas where brands want reliable preservation support without sacrificing skin feel.
In skin care, ethylhexylglycerin enhances preservative efficacy, allowing lower overall preservative percentages. It also improves spreadability, reduces tackiness, and provides light moisturization without greasiness. It is commonly used in:
For hair, ethylhexylglycerin provides antimicrobial support in water-based formulations, reducing static and adding light conditioning without weighing down hair. It is commonly used in:
Ethylhexylglycerin disrupts bacterial cell walls, reducing the growth of odor-causing microorganisms on the skin. It also provides skin conditioning to counteract potential irritation caused by other active ingredients, such as baking soda. It is commonly used in:
Ethylhexylglycerin provides multiple performance benefits in a single ingredient. Its versatility allows formulators to improve product feel and optimize preservation strategies without adding unnecessary complexity.
Unlike traditional preservatives that serve only an antimicrobial role, ethylhexylglycerin enhances preservation systems while also improving the finished product’s sensory profile. It works by disrupting bacterial cell membranes, making microorganisms more vulnerable to other preservatives in the system and reducing overall preservative levels in the formulation.
For brands looking to balance efficacy with milder ingredient profiles. Ethylhexylglycerin can be used alongside other preservative ingredients to create more effective systems.
When used together, ethylhexylglycerin (0.3–0.5%) and phenoxyethanol (0.5–0.8%) create a broad-spectrum preservation system that targets bacteria, yeast, and mold. This pairing, available in Novaguard EHGP, often allows formulators to reduce overall preservative levels while maintaining performance.
Other compatible systems include:
Ethylhexylglycerin also functions as a lightweight skin conditioning agent.
Ethylhexylglycerin helps inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the skin. It is particularly effective in aluminum-free and natural deodorant systems that require antimicrobial performance.
Ethylhexylglycerin can be used across a pH range of 2–12, and is compatible with emulsions, surfactant systems, and water-based products. It can also be used in both hot and cold processing methods, making it easy to incorporate into existing product development workflows without requiring major formulation changes.
Ethylhexylglycerin is frequently used in formulations designed to meet modern consumer expectations around ingredient transparency, including:
Ethylhexylglycerin enhances the overall sensory experience of a product, reducing harsh chemical preservative odors and improving texture and glide.
By enhancing the performance of primary preservatives and contributing conditioning benefits, ethylhexylglycerin reduces the need for additional ingredients. Its multifunctional capabilities simplify formulations and reduce costs without sacrificing quality or performance.
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) has evaluated ethylhexylglycerin and concluded that it is safe under the present practices of use and concentrations described in its assessment. It is widely used in cosmetic products sold in the United States and globally under established regulatory frameworks.
In the European Union, ethylhexylglycerin is permitted for use in cosmetics under the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Ethylhexylglycerin is not classified as a carcinogen, mutagen, or reproductive toxin. At typical use levels (0.3–1.0%), it is generally well tolerated. As with any ingredient, a small percentage of users may experience sensitivity, particularly at higher concentrations or in leave-on products.
Novaguard EHG has a minimum shelf life of 2 years from the manufacture date when stored in original, unopened containers under recommended conditions:
ChemQuest supports customers with the documentation needed for global product development and compliance:
Ethylhexylglycerin acts as a preservative booster, enhancing the effectiveness of antimicrobial systems, and as a skin-conditioning agent, improving texture and moisturization.
Ethylhexylglycerin is generally well tolerated at typical cosmetic use levels (0.3–1.0%). It is often used as a milder alternative to more sensitizing preservatives. However, a small number of individuals with very sensitive skin may experience mild irritation, particularly at higher concentrations.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic ingredient produced by reacting glycerin with 2-ethylhexanol. The glycerin used is typically derived from plant-based oils, which allows the final ingredient to align with vegan and plant-derived formulation claims.
Yes, ethylhexylglycerin works synergistically with phenoxyethanol to create a broad-spectrum preservation system that helps protect against bacteria, yeast, and mold while improving product feel.
No. Ethylhexylglycerin is considered non-comedogenic, meaning it does not clog pores or contribute to acne formation. Its lightweight texture makes it suitable for use in formulations designed for oily or acne-prone skin.
Typical use levels for ethylhexylglycerin in cosmetic formulations are between 0.3–1.0%, depending on the product type and preservation system. Lower concentrations are often used in sensitive skin or eye-area products, while slightly higher levels may be used in rinse-off or deodorant formulations.
Ethylhexylglycerin is a synthetic ingredient, but it is derived from plant-based glycerin. Because of this, it is commonly used in formulations marketed as naturally derived or “cleaner label,” depending on brand positioning and certification requirements.
No. Ethylhexylglycerin is not a standalone preservative. It functions as a preservative booster and is most effective when used alongside primary preservatives like phenoxyethanol or organic acids. Proper preservative efficacy testing is required to confirm system performance.
Ethylhexylglycerin has limited water solubility and performs best in emulsions or water-containing formulations where microbial growth is a concern. It is less effective in fully anhydrous systems, though it can still contribute to sensory benefits in certain formulations.
Contact ChemQuest to request a quote for high-purity, cosmetic-grade Novaguard EHG. Supporting TDS, SDS, and COA documentation is available upon request, along with technical support to help formulators effectively integrate personal care ingredients in their supply chains and finished formulations.