Olive-derived emollient – an ester of olive fatty acids and 2-ethylhexanol. A dry emollient with a silky feel, usually paired with Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables in formulas. Non-comedogenic, gives a lightweight finish without greasy shine. Pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional olive-derived dry emollient with safety confirmed by CIR. Non-comedogenic and non-irritating. No standalone cosmetic effects beyond emolliency and sensorial improvement.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is an ester of saturated olive-oil fatty acids with 2-ethylhexanol. Olive oil is first hydrogenated (double bonds removed), then fractionated and trans-esterified. The result is an oxidation-stable, heat-stable emollient with a very low irritation profile. INCI: Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate. Sold under trade names Olivem 900 (B&T) and PhytOlea (Hallstar). In cosmetics, the ingredient works as a dry emollient: it reduces the greasy shine of other oils in a formula, gives a silky slip, and is biocompatible with skin lipids. It appears in creams, sunscreens, BB products, and sensitive-skin formulas. Use levels are 2-10%. Paired with Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables it forms the PhytOlea complex that structures the formula like a soft wax base. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption is minimal. No teratogenic effects in the literature. Safe to use during pregnancy and lactation. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen potential. The manufacturer reports a comedogenicity score of 0 on the rabbit-ear model. Suitable for sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea-prone skin. Unlike unmodified olive oil, the hydrogenated form does not oxidize and does not develop a rancid odor – formulas keep their shelf appearance longer. There are no standalone active effects. This is a sensorial and structuring ingredient that replaces mineral oil, silicones, and heavier emollients in clean formulas.
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.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
Olive-derived emollient – an ester of olive fatty acids and 2-ethylhexanol.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate. It may also appear as: Olivem 900, PhytOlea, Гидрогенизированный этилгексил оливат.
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