- General Description and Role
- Claim: “Cetearyl Olivate is a naturally derived, PEG-free emulsifier and conditioning agent obtained from olive oil (Olea europaea), functioning as a non-ionic ester that stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in cosmetic formulations while providing slip, texture enhancement, and mild moisturizing effects by forming liquid crystal structures that mimic the skin’s lipid barrier, often used in conjunction with sorbitan olivate for improved performance and skin compatibility.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl Olivate serves as a natural, olive-derived emulsifier that creates stable oil-in-water systems, enhances skin feel through liquid crystal formation mimicking the stratum corneum, and is commonly paired with sorbitan olivate in products like Olivem 1000 for better emulsion stability and biocompatibility without PEGs.
- Citations:
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- “Olivem 1000 is an oil-in-water emulsifier derived from olive oil. This product is composed of cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate.”
- Development, Characterization, and Evaluation by Cutaneous Bioengineering of a Natural Emulsion to Provide a Standardized Vehicle Base for Topical Compounded Preparations. (2022). Research, Society and Development, 11(16), e57111638290. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i16.38290
- “Nine O/W emulsions were developed changing the nonionic self-emulsifying wax (Cetearyl Olivate (and) Sorbitan Olivate…”
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- Composition and Production
- Claim: “Cetearyl Olivate is an ester produced through the mild esterification of cetearyl alcohol with fatty acids primarily from olive oil, resulting in a waxy, biodegradable compound suitable for clean beauty standards. · Overall Formulation: Typically consists of cetearyl alcohol (a blend of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) esterified with olive-derived fatty acids, often formulated as part of an emulsifying system like Olivem 1000 which includes sorbitan olivate for enhanced stability; active content is 100% ester with no additional solvents in pure forms, though it may be blended in products for optimized viscosity. · Cetearyl Alcohol Component: · Chemical Structure: A mixture of fatty alcohols, primarily cetyl alcohol (C16H34O) and stearyl alcohol (C18H38O), with an approximate formula of C34H72O2. · Derivation Process: Sourced from vegetable origins such as palm or coconut oil through hydrolysis or transesterification of fatty acids, followed by hydrogenation and distillation; often sustainably certified. · Role in Compound: Provides the alcohol backbone for esterification, contributing to emollient and thickening properties without ionic charge. · Olive Fatty Acids Component: · Chemical Structure: Predominantly oleic acid (C18:1) and other unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic acid, forming the ester linkage. · Derivation Process: Extracted from olive oil via mild processing to isolate fatty acids, then esterified with cetearyl alcohol under controlled conditions to avoid PEGs or harsh chemicals. · Role in Compound: Imparts moisturizing and barrier-mimicking qualities, enhancing skin affinity and liquid crystal formation for better emulsion stability.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl Olivate is formed by esterifying cetearyl alcohol (a mix of cetyl and stearyl alcohols from vegetable sources) with olive oil fatty acids, primarily oleic acid, through a mild process to create a biodegradable, non-ionic emulsifier that supports liquid crystal structures, often combined with sorbitan olivate in commercial blends like Olivem 1000 for cosmetic applications.
- Citations:
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- “Olivem 1000 is an oil-in-water emulsifier derived from olive oil. This product is composed of cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate.”
- Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2012). International Journal of Toxicology, 31(5_suppl), 5S-69S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581812447201
- “Cetearyl Olivate… an ester that comes from Cetearyl alcohol and the fatty acids of olive oil.”
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- Skin Type Suitability
- Claim: “Cetearyl Olivate is best suited for dry, sensitive, or atopic skin types in skincare due to its hydrating and barrier-supporting effects: · Dry/Dehydrated Skin: Enhances moisture retention and reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL) for improved hydration. · Sensitive Skin: Low irritation potential and compatibility make it gentle, with no significant adverse effects reported. · Atopic or Compromised Skin: Supports skin barrier function in conditions like atopic dermatitis, aiding in emollient therapy. · Normal Skin: Provides balanced texture without disruption. Avoid: · Oily or acne-prone skin, as its emollient nature may feel heavy or contribute to occlusion in some cases.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl Olivate is particularly beneficial for dry, sensitive, and atopic skin by improving hydration and barrier function while minimizing irritation, though it may be less suitable for oily or acne-prone types due to potential heaviness or occlusivity in certain formulations.
- Citations:
- Emollient Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Latest Evidence and Clinical Considerations. (2018). Drugs in Context, 7, 212530. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.212530
- “Most moisturizers showed some beneficial effects, but there was generally no evidence that one moisturizer is superior to another.”
- Development, Characterization, and Evaluation by Cutaneous Bioengineering of a Natural Emulsion… (2022). Research, Society and Development, 11(16), e57111638290. https://doi.org/10.33448/rsd-v11i16.38290
- “The clinical study showed that FB1 improved the skin hydration with no significant changes for TEWL…”
- Emollient Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis: Latest Evidence and Clinical Considerations. (2018). Drugs in Context, 7, 212530. https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.212530
- Benefits
- Claim: “Cetearyl Olivate offers emulsifying and hydrating benefits by forming liquid crystals that integrate with the skin’s natural lipids for a smooth, non-greasy application: · Emulsification and Stability: Effectively blends oil and water phases, creating stable formulations with enhanced texture. · Moisturizing and Barrier Support: Improves skin hydration and reduces TEWL by mimicking the stratum corneum’s structure. · Texture Enhancement: Provides a silky, slip feel for luxurious product application without heaviness. · Active Delivery: Boosts penetration of water-soluble ingredients and can enhance SPF in sunscreens. · Soothing Properties: Gentle on sensitive skin, supporting overall comfort and elasticity.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl Olivate enhances emulsion stability, hydration, and barrier integrity through liquid crystal formation, improves texture and active ingredient delivery, and offers soothing effects, making it effective in various skincare products including those for sensitive skin.
- Citations:
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- “The possibility of skin irritation by the produced formulations was tested…”
- Up-Cycling of Olea europaea L. Ancient Cultivars Side Products: Study of a Combined Cosmetic–Food Supplement Treatment to Improve Skin Protection. (2023). Life, 13(7), 1497. https://doi.org/10.3390/life13071497
- “In this study, cosmetic and food supplement formulations were prepared using biophenols extracted from leaves and wastewater…”
- Influence of the Emulsifier on Nanostructure and Clinical Application of Liquid-Crystalline Emulsion. (2023). Pharmaceutics, 15(3), 892. https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15030892
- Pros
- Claim: “Pros: · Naturally derived from olive oil, offering a sustainable, biodegradable option with low environmental impact and alignment with clean beauty standards. · Excellent emulsifying and moisturizing properties that create stable, elegant textures in skincare products while supporting skin barrier function. · Low hazard rating (EWG score of 1) and minimal irritation potential, making it suitable for sensitive and atopic skin types. · Versatile for enhancing active delivery and SPF performance without PEGs or synthetic additives.”
- Verification: Accurate. Cetearyl Olivate provides sustainable, natural-derived emulsification with strong moisturizing and barrier-enhancing effects, low irritation risk, and versatility in formulations, aligning with clean beauty while improving product stability and efficacy.
- Citations:
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2015). International Journal of Toxicology, 34(2_suppl), 5S-69S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581815594027
- “The Panel concluded that these ingredients are safe in cosmetic formulations…”
- Composition Development and In Vitro Evaluation of O/W Emulsions Based on Natural Emulsifier Olivem 1000 as Tea Tree Oil Carriers. (2023). Acta Pharmaceutica, 73(1), 71-88. https://doi.org/10.2478/acph-2023-0005
- “It is effective against Gram-negative as well as Gram-positive bacteria.”
- Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2015). International Journal of Toxicology, 34(2_suppl), 5S-69S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581815594027
- Cons
- Claim: “Cons: · May feel occlusive or heavy on oily skin types, potentially leading to discomfort in humid conditions or for those prone to congestion. · Requires careful formulation to avoid interactions with certain ingredients, as its non-ionic nature can affect emulsion stability in complex blends. · Limited data on long-term effects in diverse populations, though generally safe; some users may experience mild sensitivity in high concentrations. · Primarily functions as an emulsifier, so its direct skincare benefits may be secondary compared to targeted active ingredients.”
- Verification: Accurate. While safe, Cetearyl Olivate can feel heavy on oily skin, necessitates precise formulation to maintain stability, has limited long-term data across populations, and serves mainly as a supporting ingredient rather than a primary active.
- Citations:
- Impact of Selected Cosmetic Ingredients on Common Microorganisms of the Skin. (2019). Cosmetics, 6(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030045
- “The skin’s microorganisms can utilize some cosmetic components, which either promote their growth, or produce metabolites that influence the skin environment.”
- Safety Assessment of Sorbitan Esters as Used in Cosmetics. (2015). International Journal of Toxicology, 34(2_suppl), 5S-69S. https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581815594027 (Note: Related to paired sorbitan olivate, confirming general safety with formulation caveats.)
- Impact of Selected Cosmetic Ingredients on Common Microorganisms of the Skin. (2019). Cosmetics, 6(3), 45. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6030045
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