Hydrogenated palm glycerides

Other names: Hydrogenated palm glycerides

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Hydrogenated palm glycerides are a general term for a mixture of esters consisting of glycerol and fatty acids derived from palm oil. This ingredient is generally recognised as safe and is commonly used in the cosmetics industry, but also in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

In cosmetic products such as lipsticks, hand creams or hair styling products, hydrogenated palm glycerides are used as emulsifiers, stabilisers and moisturisers. Due to their emulsifying properties, they help to keep the individual ingredients of a product blended, while their moisturizing properties allow products to provide moisture and smooth the surface of the skin or hair. In the pharmaceutical industry, these glycerides are often found in tablets, capsules and creams where they act as binders, fillers and manufacturing aids. In the food industry, they are used, for example, as an emulsifier in ice cream or as a stabiliser in margarine.

However, it is important to note that although hydrogenated palm glycerides are safe to use, excessive intake of palm oil can lead to health risks such as cardiovascular disease. It is also important to consider the environmental impact of palm oil extraction on forest ecosystems and the animals living in these areas. For this reason, it is important to monitor producers who use responsibly sourced palm oil.