ethylhexylglycerin
what it is
A glyceryl ether — glycerin joined to an eight-carbon chain, INCI name Ethylhexylglycerin. It is part skin-conditioning agent, part preservative booster.
why we use it
It weakens the surface tension of microbial cell membranes, which makes phenoxyethanol markedly more effective. The practical result is that we can keep the total preservative load low without compromising protection. It also adds a light conditioning feel of its own.
where you'll find it
In feather at 0.05%, in cloud at 0.25%, and in our mineral sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++), in the preservative group (0.85% total), supplied blended with phenoxyethanol.
evidence
Its boosting effect is well documented in preservation-efficacy testing — the same challenge tests every one of our formulas has to pass before we lock it.
safety
Assessed as safe as used by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel. A small number of contact-allergy cases are recorded in the dermatology literature; rare is not zero, so we mention it.