Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate
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.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate safe during pregnancy?
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate for?
Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Olive-derived emollient – an ester of olive fatty acids and 2-ethylhexanol.
Is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate?
The INCI name is Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate. It may also appear as: Olivem 900, PhytOlea.
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