Product description

Glyceryl oleate is an ester of glycerin and oleic acid, a natural fatty acid typically derived from vegetable oils (e.g. olive or sunflower oil). It is industrially produced by esterification (reaction of glycerin with oleic acid or its derivatives) to produce a component that acts as a mild emollient, co-emulsifier and often as a re-fatting (lipid replenishing) ingredient, especially in washing products.
In practice, it is used to make the product "softer" on the skin - it reduces the drying sensation after washing, improves slip and can promote the stability of emulsions or the texture of the finished product.

Key benefits

• Re-fatting effect - helps to compensate for the degreasing of the skin after washing and reduces the feeling of tightness.
• Emollient and emollient - improves the softness and comfort of both skin and hair.
• Skin barrier support - contributes to better protection against moisture loss (indirectly through the lipid film).
• Co-emulsifier - can help stabilize emulsions and improve sensory profile (slip, spreadability).
• Improving conditioning properties - often used in shampoos and shower products for a softer feel after rinsing.

Suitable in products such as

• shower gels, washing creams and syndet products,
• shampoos and conditioners (especially to improve the softness of hair after washing),
• cleansing gels and lotions,
• body and skin emulsions (as emollient/co-emulsifier according to the system),
• products for dry and sensitive skin with a focus on gentle washing.

Use in formulation

• typically soluble in the oil phase and miscible with most esters, triglycerides and lipids,
• in emulsions, compatible with common emulsifiers; the final effect depends on the specific emulsification system,
• in washing products it can be compatible with both anionic and non-ionic tensides, the aim being to improve the after-rinse feel,
• recommended dosage: information is not available from the attached documents (normally the dosage is determined according to the type of system and the desired "re-fatting" effect).

It is recommended to add during cooling (at temperatures below 40 °C).

Safety and storage

• This is a commonly used cosmetic ingredient with a good tolerance profile.
• In finished products, it may exceptionally contribute to a feeling of 'heavier' occlusion in very reactive skin, so the dosage should be optimised according to the target group.
• Store dry, out of direct sunlight and in a tightly sealed container to minimize oxidation of the lipid component.

See also other emollients in the Handymade.sk offer.

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