Common Name(s): Oleyl oleate,oleyl oleate,oleyl ester,unsaturated c18 alcohol emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides ultra-fluid symmetric ester โ both alcohol and acid are c18:1 oleic โ providing the lowest viscosity, fastest-spreading emollient in the natural fatty acid ester class with the c18:1 oleyl alcohol delivering fluid, fast-penetrating emolliency โ the cis-double bond preventing crystal formation and maintaining low viscosity at skin temperature.
Why It's Used: Oleyl oleate is selected for the oleyl alcohol's unsaturated mobility โ the c18:1 cis geometry creates a kinked chain that resists packing, maintaining the ester in a permanently liquid state for rapid sc penetration and light non-greasy feel.
How It Works: Oleyl cis-c18:1: chain kink โ no crystal packing โ permanent liquid state โ rapid sc penetration; c18:1 oleic acid moiety โ ultra-fluid symmetric ester โ both alcohol and acid are c18:1 oleic โ providing the lowest viscosity, fastest-spreading emollient in the natural fatty acid ester class.
Typically Found In: Light emollient skin care,penetrating formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ20%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [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; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Oleyl esters are among the most penetrating cosmetic emollients โ the cis-double bond provides sc penetration rates comparable to oleic acid free fatty acid while maintaining ester stability.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,oleyl oleate oleyl ester emollient review