What Is Glycereth-18 Benzoate?
Glycereth-18 Benzoate is a lab-created ester that forms when benzoic acid is reacted with a glycerin backbone that has been extended with roughly 18 units of ethylene oxide. The result is a clear, slightly viscous liquid that mixes easily with water and oils. While the raw materials glycerin and benzoic acid occur naturally in plants and fruits, the finished ingredient is synthesized in controlled factory settings to guarantee purity and consistency.
Chemists first explored polyethylene glycol-modified glycerin molecules in the late 20th century as they searched for milder, more versatile skin conditioners. By attaching benzoic acid to the glycereth-18 chain they discovered an ingredient that not only softened skin but also helped dissolve oily or fragrance components, making formulas feel lighter. Its safety record and dual performance quickly earned it a spot in modern personal care labs.
Manufacturing involves two main steps. First glycerin is reacted with ethylene oxide under heat and pressure, building an 18-unit chain that boosts water solubility. This intermediate, glycereth-18, is then esterified with benzoic acid in the presence of a catalyst. After purification and quality checks the finished material is shipped as a liquid raw ingredient.
You will most often find Glycereth-18 Benzoate in lightweight facial moisturizers, hydrating serums, sheet masks, after-sun gels, micellar waters and makeup removers. It also appears in anti-aging creams and leave-on hair conditioners where a non greasy touch is desired.
Glycereth-18 Benzoate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This multifunctional ingredient improves both how a product performs and how it feels on the skin
- Skin Conditioning: Draws moisture to the skin surface and forms a soft, breathable layer that leaves skin feeling smooth and supple. This helps reduce flakiness and enhances overall skin comfort
- Solvent: Helps dissolve fragrance oils, UV filters and other active ingredients so they distribute evenly throughout the formula, preventing separation and ensuring consistent performance with a light non greasy finish
Who Can Use Glycereth-18 Benzoate
Glycereth-18 Benzoate is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal, combination and oily skin. Its lightweight texture does not clog pores or leave a heavy film so even acne-prone users generally tolerate it well. People with very sensitive or highly reactive skin can usually use it too since it has a low irritation profile, though anyone with a known allergy to benzoic acid derivatives should be cautious.
The ingredient is made from synthetic glycerin, ethylene oxide and benzoic acid, none of which are sourced from animals. This makes it suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
No evidence suggests that topical Glycereth-18 Benzoate is harmful during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still, this is not medical advice and expecting or nursing mothers should run any skincare product past a qualified healthcare professional just to be safe.
Glycereth-18 Benzoate does not increase photosensitivity so daylight exposure while using products that contain it is not a concern. It is also odorless and noncomedogenic, making it a versatile choice in a wide range of leave-on or rinse-off formulas.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can differ from person to person. The side effects below are only potential outcomes and, when the product is well formulated, most users will not experience them.
- Mild skin irritation
- Temporary redness
- Stinging on compromised or freshly exfoliated skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals sensitive to benzoic acid derivatives
If you notice persistent discomfort, redness or swelling after applying a product that contains Glycereth-18 Benzoate discontinue use and consult a medical professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0/5 — non-comedogenic
Glycereth-18 Benzoate is highly water soluble and has a low molecular weight that allows it to rinse or absorb without leaving heavy residues. It does not form an occlusive film or trap dead skin cells and sebum, so it is not known to clog pores in either clinical tests or anecdotal reports.
Suitable for acne-prone and breakout-prone skin.
Because it also helps dissolve oils inside a formula, it can even improve the spread of other ingredients that might otherwise feel greasy, indirectly reducing the chance of pore congestion.
Summary
Glycereth-18 Benzoate conditions skin by attracting light moisture and leaving a smooth breathable finish. At the same time it works as a solvent that keeps fragrances, UV filters and other actives evenly dispersed so products stay stable and feel lightweight.
Although it is not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, formulators appreciate its versatility which is why you will spot it in a growing number of modern gels, lotions and micellar cleansers.
Overall safety data show a very low risk of irritation or sensitization for most users. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a fresh product first just to see how your individual skin responds.