Glyceryl oleate

Other names: Glyceryl oleate

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Glyceryl oleate, also known as glyceryl oleate, is an ester of oleic acid and glycerin. It occurs naturally as a component of various fats and oils of vegetable and animal origin, for example in olive oil, sunflower oil or pig fat. It is a yellowish to yellow-brown liquid with a characteristic musky odour. It is widely used in industry, mainly in cosmetics, but also in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

In the cosmetic industry, glyceryl oleate is popular for its emulsifying ability, i.e. its ability to mix two normally immiscible liquids. This makes it a common ingredient in creams, lotions, shampoos and other body and hair care products. In these products, it helps to maintain moisture in the skin and hair, giving them softness and shine. In the food industry, it is mainly used as a natural stabiliser and emulsifier, for example in low-fat foods, where it helps maintain their consistency and palatability. It is also used in pharmaceuticals, where it is added to ointments and creams for its delicate properties and to improve the absorption of medicinal substances. Glyceryl oleate thus becomes an important part of many products we use every day.