Glyceryl Oleate
An emollient and co-emulsifier from glycerin and oleic acid. It softens skin and supports cream texture. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A functional emollient and emulsifier. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
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, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Glyceryl Oleate is a monoester of glycerin and oleic acid. INCI: Glyceryl Oleate. In a formula it works as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and conditioning agent: it softens skin, helps bind the oil and water phases, and improves cream texture. It is used in creams, emulsions, cleansers, and body products. It is biocompatible with skin lipids and gives a soft slip without a heavy greasy feel. Use levels depend on the product format. Pregnancy safety. Systemic absorption through intact skin is negligible and there are no teratogenicity data of concern. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low. The oleic part slightly enhances penetration of other substances at high levels, so it gets a little more attention in products for very oily, acne-prone skin. The component has no active effects of its own; it is a functional base of the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is Glyceryl Oleate safe during pregnancy?
Glyceryl Oleate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Glyceryl Oleate for?
Glyceryl Oleate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Glyceryl Oleate and what does it do in cosmetics?
An emollient and co-emulsifier from glycerin and oleic acid.
Is Glyceryl Oleate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 2/5 – low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Glyceryl Oleate?
The INCI name is Glyceryl Oleate.
See Glyceryl Oleate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni 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.
Similar role in the formula
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Glyceryl Palmitate, Glyceryl Polyacrylate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Glyceryl Stearates, Isomalt, Plankton Extract, Triticum Vulgare Germ Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Published: · updated: