Ingredient Dictionary

ETHYLHEXANOL

2-ethylhexan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is hexan-1-ol substituted by an ethyl group at position 2.

Definition

2-ethylhexan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is hexan-1-ol substituted by an ethyl group at position 2. It has a role as a volatile oil component and a plant metabolite.

Source: PubChem

US FDA substance register · UNII XZV7TAA77P · registered name 2-ETHYLHEXANOL · single chemical substance

Source: US FDA Unique Ingredient Identifier (UNII)

Cosmetic roles

Gives the product a scentPERFUMING

Safety & regulatory references

Not classified under Korea’s toxic-substance GHS list · existing chemical substance

Source: Korea toxic substances GHS register (NIER)

More data — names, identifiers, properties, test records, literature

Names & identifiers

ETHYLHEXANOLINCI1-Hexanol, 2-ethyl-Synonym

CAS No.chemical registry number: 104-76-7
EC No.EU chemical inventory number: 203-234-3
DTXSIDUS EPA chemical ID: DTXSID5020605
DTXCIDUS EPA compound ID: DTXCID10605

IUPAC: 2-Ethylhexan-1-ol
Molecular formula: C8H18O
Molecular weight: 130.231 g/mol

Measured properties

Appearance: 2-ethyl hexanol appears as a dark brown liquid with an aromatic odor. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Flash point between 140 - 175 °F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes. May be toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. · Liquid, CBI
Odour: Mild, oily, sweet, slightly floral odor reminiscent of rose · Intense and unpleasant
Boiling point: 363 to 365 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992) · 184.34 °C
Melting point: -105 °F (NTP, 1992) · -70 °C
Solubility: less than 1 mg/mL at 64 °F (NTP, 1992) · In water, 880 mg/L at 25 °C
Density: 0.834 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Less dense than water, will float · 0.8344 at 20 °C/20 °C
Viscosity: 9.8 centapoise at 20 °C · 12,0 mm²/s at 20 °C
Colour: colourless
Odour threshold: 0.07~0.13 ppm (ppm to mmHg)
Melting/freezing point: -89 ℃
Initial boiling point and range: 185 ℃
Flash point: 73 ℃
Vapour pressure: 0.136 ㎜Hg(25℃)
Water solubility: 0.9 g/ℓ(20℃)
Vapour density: 4.49
Relative density: 0.832 (20℃)
n-Octanol/water partition coefficient (Kow): 2.9 (25℃)
Auto-ignition temperature: 280 ℃
Molecular weight: 130.23

Values measured on the substance itself. The KOSHA data are a reference for writing and reviewing safety data sheets, not a specification for a commercial raw material.

Source: PubChem · KOSHA safety data sheets (Korea)

What products actually use it for

What the 62 products reported to the US EPA with this ingredient use it for. Products outside cosmetics are included, so the top few rows are its main uses.

Solvent10
Processing aids not otherwise specified7
Degradant/impurity (EPA)4
Defoamer4
Plasticizer4
Fragrance3
Dye3
Intermediate3

15 other uses

Surfactant (surface active agent)3
Flavouring and nutrient2
Emulsifier2
Lubricating agent2
Wetting agent (non-aqueous)2
Dispersing agent2
Fuel agents2
Surface modifier2
No specific technical function1
Cleaning agent1
Fuel1
Biocide1
Monomers1
Corrosion inhibitor1
Hydraulic fluids1

Source: US EPA CompTox dashboard

Irritation and sensitisation studies

5 skin studies and 4 eye studies are on record.

Classed as highly irritating1Classed as moderate1

The studies disagree (the most common conclusion covers 50%), so they do not establish that this ingredient is irritating. These tests are on the raw material itself; irritation at the amount in a finished product is a different question.

See all 9 studies

Skin corrosion - category 1
Skin Irritation · Screening
Severe Irritation
skin irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 404 (Acute Dermal Irritation / Corrosion) according to
Category 6.3A (Category 2)
Skin Irritation · Read Across
Classification not possible
Skin Sensitization · Screening
Category 2
Skin Irritation · Screening
Serious eye damage/eye irritation - Category 2
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 2A
Eye Irritation · Screening
Category 6.4A (Category 2A)
Eye Irritation · Read Across
Severe Irritation
eye irritation: in vivo · Screening · OECD Guideline 405 (Acute Eye Irritation / Corrosion) according to