Shea Butter
Ethyl Esters
UV Dispersant & SPF Booster
INCI: Shea Butter Ethyl Esters · CAS 1456887-14-1 · Emollient Ester · UV Filter Dispersant · Pigment Dispersant · Shea-Derived
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Shea Butter Ethyl Esters is a shea-derived emollient ester with exceptionally low viscosity and high polarity, purpose-built for UV filter and pigment dispersion. It wets UV filter particles 3× faster than caprylic/capric triglycerides and C12-C15 alkyl benzoate — reducing agglomeration, lowering viscosity, and delivering better SPF performance with less ghosting in mineral sunscreen formulations.
Beyond sun care, it provides superior pigment wetting in color cosmetics — delivering more consistent color payoff, homogeneous dispersions, and a lighter skin feel. Cold processable, eco-friendly, and ethically sourced from FairWild™ certified mass balance shea kernels. 100% carbon from renewable sources.
| INCI Name | CAS | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Shea Butter Ethyl Esters | 1456887-14-1 | Emollient ester, UV filter dispersant, pigment dispersant, SPF booster, solubilizer |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Clear, slightly yellow liquid |
| INCI name | Shea Butter Ethyl Esters |
| CAS number | 1456887-14-1 |
| Slip melting point | 10°C |
| Viscosity | 15 mPas @ 20°C · 11 mPas @ 40°C |
| Surface tension | 25 mN/m |
| Interfacial tension | 13 mN/m |
| Polarity | High |
| Processing | Cold processable · suitable for anhydrous and emulsion systems |
| Origin | FairWild™ certified mass balance shea kernels · 100% renewable carbon |
| Application | Usage Rate |
|---|---|
| Sun care emulsions — UV filter dispersion and SPF boosting | 5–20% |
| Anhydrous sun care — sticks, balms, sprays | 20–80% |
| Color cosmetics — pigment dispersion and color payoff | 5–25% |
| Skincare and cleansing — emollient and spreading agent | 5–15% |
| Hair care — lightweight conditioning and gloss | 2–10% |
- Cold processable — no heat required, making it energy-efficient and compatible with heat-sensitive actives
- Use as the primary dispersant for mineral UV filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) — reduces agglomeration and lowers dispersion viscosity vs caprylic/capric triglycerides and C12-C15 alkyl benzoate
- Provides SPF-boosting effect when used with mineral UV filters — improves in-vitro SPF performance vs alternative emollients
- Excellent for both organic and inorganic UV filters — versatile across all sun care formats
- In color cosmetics, predisperse pigments in Shea Butter Ethyl Esters before incorporating into the formula for maximum color homogeneity and payoff
- Compatible with stick and sprayable formulations due to low viscosity and fast-spreading properties
- Contributes to a lighter skin feel — reduces the heavy afterfeel associated with high UV filter loads
- Store sealed at room temperature away from direct light and heat
- Intended use: Our products are provided for the exclusive purpose of creating external cosmetic and personal care formulations. They are not intended for internal use.
- Creator's liability: INCI VAULT is a supplier of ingredients and is not responsible for the final products you create. The responsibility for ensuring product safety, stability, and regulatory compliance rests entirely with you. This includes conducting thorough testing of all formulas.
- Professional guidance: If you do not have an advanced background in cosmetic science, we advise seeking the guidance of a professional formulator or chemist.
- FDA statement: The information and statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Need a larger quantity? Reach out — support@inci-vault.com
Shea Butter Ethyl Esters (INCI: Shea Butter Ethyl Esters · CAS 1456887-14-1) is a shea-derived emollient ester engineered for UV filter and pigment dispersion. It wets zinc oxide particles 3× faster than caprylic/capric triglycerides and C12-C15 alkyl benzoate, reduces dispersion viscosity, boosts SPF performance in mineral sunscreens, and delivers higher color payoff in color cosmetics. Clear, slightly yellow liquid. Slip melting point 10°C. Cold processable. 100% renewable carbon. FairWild certified.
- Mineral sunscreen emulsions — 5–20% as primary UV filter dispersant for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Anhydrous sun care — 20–80% in sticks, balms, and sprayable sunscreen formulations
- SPF boosting — improves in-vitro SPF performance with mineral UV filters vs alternative emollients
- Color cosmetics — 5–25% for pigment dispersion, higher color payoff, and lighter skin feel
- Reduces ghosting — lower whitening effect from zinc oxide dispersions compared to standard emollients
- Skincare and cleansing — 5–15% as fast-spreading lightweight emollient
- Hair care — 2–10% for lightweight conditioning and gloss
- Cold processable — no heat required, suitable for heat-sensitive formulations
| What is Shea Butter Ethyl Esters used for?A shea-derived emollient ester used as a UV filter dispersant, SPF booster, and pigment dispersant in sun care and color cosmetics. Wets mineral UV filter particles 3× faster than conventional emollients, reduces ghosting, and improves SPF performance. |
| How does it boost SPF in mineral sunscreens?High polarity and low viscosity (15 mPas at 20°C) enable more effective wetting of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles. Better wetting means less agglomeration, improved UV filter distribution, and a measurable SPF-boosting effect — plus reduced whitening on the skin. |
| Can it be used in color cosmetics?Yes — delivers superior pigment wetting and dispersion. Provides more flowable, lower viscosity dispersions with high color pigment loads, resulting in more consistent color, higher color payoff, and a lighter skin feel. |
| What is the recommended usage rate?5–20% in sun care emulsions · 20–80% in anhydrous sun care · 5–25% in color cosmetics · 5–15% in skincare and cleansing. |
| Is it cold processable?Yes — slip melting point 10°C. Suitable for cold processing, energy-efficient, and compatible with heat-sensitive actives and preservatives. |
| Is it eco-friendly?Yes — derived from FairWild certified mass balance shea kernels, 100% carbon from renewable sources, produced using energy-saving catalysts and processes. |
Note: When formulating mineral sunscreens, predisperse zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in Shea Butter Ethyl Esters before incorporating into the emulsion — this maximizes the wetting advantage and delivers the lowest possible dispersion viscosity. For color cosmetics, the same approach applies: disperse pigments in Shea Butter Ethyl Esters first for the most homogeneous color and highest payoff in finished formulations.
