What Is Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester?
Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester is made by reacting the natural fatty acids found in hazelnut seed oil with ethanol to form an ethyl ester. This gentle chemical tweak turns the oil into a lighter, silkier ingredient that spreads easily and sinks into skin without feeling greasy. Hazelnuts have long been pressed for their rich, nutty oil in food and folk care, but formulators began transforming that oil into ethyl esters when they noticed the lighter texture suited modern skincare.
The production process starts with cold-pressed hazelnut oil. The oil is purified, then combined with food-grade ethanol in the presence of a catalyst. After the reaction, the mixture is washed and distilled, leaving behind a clear, low-viscosity liquid with a faint nutty scent. The final material keeps the nourishing fatty acids of the original oil yet feels almost weightless on skin.
You will most often see Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester in face and body moisturizers, lightweight lotions, dry-touch oils, anti-aging serums, hair shine sprays and even wash-off masks where a smooth glide without residue is key. Because it boosts softness while maintaining a fresh skin feel, formulators choose it for products aimed at normal to oily skin types or anyone who dislikes a heavy cream finish.
Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The main job of Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester is skin conditioning. By forming a thin, breathable layer on the surface, it softens rough patches, adds immediate smoothness and helps skin hold onto its own moisture. Its light texture makes it an ideal alternative to heavier oils, giving products a silky after-feel that many users prefer, especially in warmer climates or daytime formulas.
Who Can Use Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester
This light ester suits most skin types. Normal, combination and oily skin will enjoy its weightless feel while dry skin can layer it under richer creams for added softness. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it well because it is low in fragrance and free of common irritants. The one group that may need caution is anyone with a known tree nut allergy since the raw material comes from hazelnuts, even though most allergenic proteins are removed during processing.
Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester is plant derived and contains no animal by-products so it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in topical products. This is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should still check with a doctor before adding new skincare just to be safe.
The ester does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so there is no added need for sun protection beyond your normal daily SPF.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester differ from person to person. The points below list potential issues and are not likely to reflect the average experience when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
• Mild redness or stinging
• Itching in very sensitive skin
• Breakouts in individuals who are highly prone to clogged pores
• Allergic response in people with a severe hazelnut allergy
If you experience any unwanted reaction discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2 / 5
Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester is derived from hazelnut oil, which itself sits around a 2 on the comedogenic scale. Converting the oil into an ethyl ester trims down the heavier triglycerides, so the finished ester is even less likely to block pores yet it still retains a small amount of fatty residue that could pose a problem for extremely clog-prone skin. In most formulations it disperses thinly, leaving minimal build-up.
Suitable for acne-prone users in many cases, though the very easily congested may prefer ingredients rated 0 or 1.
The rating can shift a little depending on the overall formula. Pairing the ester with high amounts of waxes or heavier butters could nudge the pore-clogging potential upward, while lightweight gels or serums keep it closer to non-comedogenic.
Summary
Corylus Avellana Ethyl Ester acts primarily as a skin-conditioning agent, adding softness, smoothing rough patches and helping skin hold on to moisture without a greasy after-feel. It does this by forming a sheer, breathable film that mimics the skin’s own lipids yet remains lighter than conventional oils.
The ingredient is gaining traction in modern skincare, especially in fast-absorbing moisturizers and “dry touch” facial oils, though it is not as common as classics like jojoba or squalane. Brands aiming for a featherweight, plant-based texture often turn to it for that reason.
Overall safety data is solid. Reported irritation is low and the main caution is for people with severe tree nut allergies. As with any new product, patch test first and stop use if discomfort occurs.