Common Name(s): Glyceryl citrate/lactate/linoleate/oleate,multi-acid glycerol ester,natural glyceryl emulsifier
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend naturally and supports skin's protective barrier.
Why It's Used: A naturally-derived complex emulsifier using multiple plant-origin acids (citric, lactic, linoleic, oleic) esterified on glycerol; suitable for natural and organic formulations.
How It Works: Multi-acid esterification creates an amphiphilic glyceryl ester with mixed hlb; linoleate and oleate tails provide oil-phase anchoring; citrate and lactate arms add hydrophilicity; ahas contribute gentle exfoliation potential.
Typically Found In: Natural cosmetics,organic formulations,skin barrier creams,natural emulsion systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emollient,moisturizing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: All components from plant/fermentation origin (citric acid from fermentation, lactic acid from fermentation, linoleic/oleic from vegetable oils, glycerol from plant); fully natural. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated; rare aha-related sensitivity possible.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Natural oils,plant butters,other natural emulsifiers,humectants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Complex glyceryl esters incorporating aha (alpha-hydroxy acid) components (citrate/lactate) are part of the natural emulsifier trend replacing synthetic peg emulsifiers in certified organic cosmetics; the mixed fatty acid composition (linoleate + oleate) mirrors the skin's natural fatty acid profile.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,supplier technical data