Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound for use in cosmetic compositions of the formula (I): R1—O—R2, wherein R1 and R are different from each other and are independently selected from the group of C1-C17 hydrocarbyl residues, said hydrocarbyl residues contain up to 8 CH3 groups and up to 3 ether groups (—O—), and wherein the total number of carbon atoms of said compounds is 10 to 20, the total number of ether groups of said compounds is 1 to 6, and the total number of methyl groups (—CH3) of said compounds CN is 1 to 13, at least one of R1 and R2 is a branched C3-C17 hydrocarbyl residue, in particular, as so-called volatiles in skin care and hair care compositions, as well as cosmetic compositions comprising at least one of said ether compounds, and the use of the aforementioned ether compounds in cosmetic compositions.