Emulsifier derived from olive oil and cetearyl alcohol. Paired with Sorbitan Olivate it forms the well-known Olivem 1000 emulsifying system. A staple of natural and organic cosmetics: mimics the lipid structure of the stratum corneum and supports barrier function. Produces soft creamy textures.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional emulsifier with a bonus – the lipid structure helps support the skin barrier. No standalone RCTs, but Olivem 1000 formulations are well tolerated even by sensitive skin.
Cetearyl Olivate is an ester of cetearyl alcohol with olive-oil fatty acids (mostly oleic, palmitic). Paired with Sorbitan Olivate (sorbitol-olive fatty acid ester) it forms the Olivem 1000 emulsifying system – one of the most popular in natural cosmetics. Where applied. Creams, balms, after-sun products, baby cosmetics. Use concentration 3-8%. Brands include Weleda, Mádara, Cattier, Sanoflore, Spanish Freshly Cosmetics, Mantra Naturals. Mechanism. Oleic acid is structurally close to sebum fatty acids, easing integration into the stratum corneum lipid matrix. Forms liquid-crystal emulsions with lamellar structure mimicking intercellular lipids – similar to cetearyl glucoside. Evidence base. A functional emulsifier. No direct therapeutic effect. In formula it shows better barrier recovery and lower TEWL than PEG emulsifiers (Savic 2011). Oily and acne-skin controversy. Oleic acid at high concentrations is considered comedogenic and may worsen hyperkeratinization (Choi 2010). In acne-prone, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff patients, products with >15% Olivem 1000 have triggered flares. Alternative: cetearyl glucoside. Safety. CIR/SCCS confirm safety at cosmetic concentrations. Hypoallergenic. Allergic reactions are rare, described in olive-allergic patients (Belgium, Italy, Spain – high olive-consumption regions). Pregnancy and lactation – safe. Acceptable at any stage on any area. Suitable for baby cosmetics from birth. Suitable for. Dry, atopic, sensitive skin, baby skin. Oily and acne-prone – use with caution at high concentrations.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Cetearyl Olivate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Cetearyl Olivate suits: normal, dry, combination, sensitive.
Emulsifier derived from olive oil and cetearyl alcohol.
The INCI name is Cetearyl Olivate. It may also appear as: Olivem, Olivem 1000, Цетеарил оливат.
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