As a raw material, ethylhexylglycerin is a pale to colorless liquid. 

Ethylhexylglycerin is made via etherification. The most common method reacts sodium salt of acetone glycerol with hexadecyl iodide in boiling glycol dimethyl ether. This produces an acetone compound of α-hexadecyl glycerol that goes through hydrolysis with acetic acid.

Ethylhexylglycerin is a skin softening agent that offers multiple benefits for skin care and cosmetic products. It acts as a humectant and hydrates skin and hair thoroughly without leaving them heavy or sticky. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a preservative that increases the shelf life of a wide variety of products. The chemical formula of Ethylhexylglycerin is C₁₁H₂₄O₃.

Ethylhexylglycerin is also popular in deodorant formulas where it has an inhibiting effect on odor-causing bacteria. Antibacterial action is also where it earns its keep as a preservative, but since it isn't effective against different types of pathogens, it would invariably be used with more broad-spectrum preservatives.