Benefits and instructions on how to use Ethylhexylglycerin for Hair

Ethylhexylglycerin for hair is a vegetable glycerin preservative obtained from animal sources, but it is mainly created via plant-derived seeds of glycerin, such as soybean or palm.

The ingredient’s name, ethylhexylglycerin, may cause your eyes to glaze over because of its complicated-sounding moniker. While the element isn’t something you’re familiar with, it has just as many applications in skincare as letters do, so you’ll almost certainly be using products that include it.

Ethylhexylglycerin can serve as a surfactant, preservative, deodorizer, and conditioning agent.

Ethylhexylglycerin is a conditioning agent that is beneficial in the creation of cosmetics. It is considered a naturally derived and less hazardous alternative to parabens or sulfates, often irritating.

However, some persons have reported adverse contact dermatitis to ethylhexylglycerin. We spoke with Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, and Shari Sperling, DO, about ethylhexylglycerin about dermatologists.

Hair Benefits of Ethylhexylglycerin

In hair and skin products, ethylhexylglycerin has taken the place of parabens and sulfates. Dr. Collins says that the beauty business is always looking for improved, safer, and less toxic methods to keep goods for topical application secure for long periods.

Preservatives are required in any water-based skincare or cosmetic goods to prevent bacterial and fungal growth and guarantee product safety. Because it is naturally derived and less hazardous, “ethylhexylglycerin” is enticing to utilize in this manner.

Dr. Shari Sperling, an NYC dermatologist, agrees that parabens and ethylhexylglycerin have been used in cosmetics for years before being linked to contact allergies recently.

Ethylhexylglycerin has several advantages in haircare product formulations, but it also has two primary positive benefits for the hair and scalp. The first is that it can help condition the hair and skin, much as xanthan gum does.

The third is that it functions as a surfactant, making it an effective yet gentle cleanser for the scalp and hair. Sperling explains that surfactants work in solutions to keep oil and water separated.

Hair products are more prone to lumps during storage since they become chilled:

Ethylhexylglycerin is a natural preservative that prevents beauty products from spoiling or separating during transit between production and sale by the consumer. It’s particularly beneficial in water-based formulations.

“The presence of ethylhexylglycerin helps to maintain product safety and prevent bacteria, mold, or fungus growth by providing antimicrobial action,” Collins adds.

The product acts as a natural cleanser for the scalp and hair:

According to Collins, ethylhexylglycerin is a surfactant that attracts oil and germs from the scalp, allowing them to be washed away. It cleans gently without removing natural oils or moisture from the hair or kin.

It softens the hair and skin:

Ethylhexylglycerin can be used to cleanse and hydrate the hair and scalp. Collins adds that it is made from glycerin, making it an excellent conditioner.

Scalp health is improved: 

An unbalanced scalp might cause a slew of problems for the scalp and the hair. Too harsh cleansers can stimulate more oil production, and flaky, dry scalps can result in itching and hair loss. Ethylhexylglycerin’s moisture-locking action and its cleaning action maintain a healthy scalp environment.

It also provides a shine and softness to your hair:

According to Sperling, ethylhexylglycerin is a common ingredient in hair care products because it helps soften the hair and make it appear smoother.

Hair Type Issues:

Most of our contributors feel that ethylhexylglycerin is entirely safe for all hair types, including curly, dry, and colored. If you’re searching for a way to cleanse your hair without removing its color or natural oils, ethylhexylglycerin may be the answer.

Ethylhexylglycerin’s conditioning components may give the most benefit to individuals with dry or curly hair. Furthermore, vegans must ensure that any items containing ethylhexylglycerin are produced from plant sources before usage since the substance may be obtained from animal sources.

This ingredient, derived from cottonseed oil, is a less reactive and irritating alternative than parabens or sulfates. However, some contact dermatitis cases have been linked to ethylhexylglycerin, so a patch test should always be done before applying a new product.

People who have had initial adverse reactions to other chemicals should avoid ethylhexylglycerin. “This ingredient might induce contact dermatitis in susceptible people and can be a source of skin irritation or rash in ‘hypoallergenic’ products for a low percentage of sufferers,” says Collins.

How to Use Ethylhexylglycerin for Hair Care:

After learning about it, it’s easy to understand why dermatologists and beauty companies adore ethylhexylglycerin. While you may not be able to buy ethylhexylglycerin on its own, it may be found in the ingredient lists of items you already own.

If you’ve had problems with parabens or sulfates in the past, check for products that include ethylhexylglycerin rather than the more debatable chemicals.

Conclusion:

Ethylhexylglycerin is a natural preservative that is derived from cottonseed oil. It is used in beauty products to keep them from spoiling or separating. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a surfactant that gently cleans the scalp and hair without removing natural oils or moisture.

This ingredient is beneficial for all hair types, including curly, dry, and colored hair. However, people with sensitive skin should patch test before using any new product containing ethylhexylglycerin.