Glyceryl oleate is a plant or synthetic-derived compound that usually appears as an amber liquid with a mild waxy aroma. We use the plant-derived form of this ingredient as a conditioner in many of our products.

Glyceryl oleate can be produced by reacting oleic acid (from high oleic plant oils) with glycerin. This ingredient can be used in hair care products as a nourishing, biodegradable alternative to silicones. In personal care products, it works as a skin-identical lipid, contributing to moisturising and replenishing effects on skin.

Regarding its safety profile, a group of glyceryl monoesters, including glyceryl oleate, were assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel in 2004, with a follow-up analysis in 2020. They reviewed their safety for dermal exposure in cosmetics and concluded they are “safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment.” This is in a group of compounds also listed by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) as being readily biodegradable, with low potential for bioaccumulation or aquatic toxicity.

Other names: C₂₁H₄₀O₄, Glycerine Monooleate, Glycerin Oleate

Chemical class: Glyceryl Esters and Derivatives

REFERENCES

Fiume, M. M., Bergfeld, W. F., Belsito, D. V., Hill, R. A., Klaassen, C. D., Liebler, D. C., Marks, J. G., Jr, Shank, R. C., Slaga, T. J., Snyder, P. W., Gill, L. J., & Heldreth, B. (2020). Safety Assessment of Monoglyceryl Monoesters as Used in Cosmetics. International journal of toxicology, 39(3_suppl), 93S–126S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820966951

European Chemicals Agency (2022). Glycerides, C16-18 and C18-unsatd. mono- and di-, citrates. EC number: 293-173-9 | CAS number: 91052-16-3. https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/18167/6/1
https://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/legal-notice

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2022). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5283468, Glyceryl monooleate. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glyceryl-monooleate