What it is
Ethyl macadamiate is the ethyl ester of the fatty acids from macadamia nut oil, giving a light, fast-spreading liquid with a notably dry, powdery after-feel. It is prized in sunscreens and makeup for replacing heavier oils, improving slip, and helping disperse mineral UV filters and pigments without a greasy residue. It can also serve as a co-solvent for oil-soluble UV filters.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated and considered low on the comedogenicity scale, giving a lighter feel than the parent macadamia oil. Those with nut allergies are sometimes cautious, though the highly processed ester contains little to no intact nut protein.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic ester derived from macadamia nut oil fatty acids esterified with ethanol.
Questions everyone asks
Why is ethyl macadamiate popular in sunscreens?
It is a light ester emollient with a dry, silky finish that improves spreadability and helps disperse mineral filters without leaving a greasy residue.
Is it safe for nut allergies?
It is derived from macadamia oil but is highly processed into an ester with little to no intact nut protein; people with severe nut allergies may still prefer to patch test or consult a clinician.