Cetearyl Olivate
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.
Evidence by route
Topical application
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.
- Pennick G et al. Int J Cosmet Sci. 2010;32(4):304-312. PMID 20642769
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Cetearyl Olivate safe during pregnancy?
Cetearyl Olivate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Cetearyl Olivate for?
Cetearyl Olivate suits: normal, dry, combination, sensitive.
What is Cetearyl Olivate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Emulsifier derived from olive oil and cetearyl alcohol.
What's the INCI name for Cetearyl Olivate?
The INCI name is Cetearyl Olivate. It may also appear as: Olivem, Olivem 1000.
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