Ethyl Oleate

Not rated

Emollient

Ethyl Oleate at a glance

  • Ester of oleic acid
  • Skin conditioning, emollient ingredient
  • Found naturally or lab-produced
  • Clear to pale yellow liquid in its raw form

Ethyl Oleate description

Ethyl oleate is an ester formed by the condensation of the fatty acid oleic acid and ethanol. In skin care formulas, it serves much the same function as oleic acid – that is, as a skin conditioning, emollient ingredient. This ester does not maintain the irritant or drying properties for skin that pure ethanol (alcohol) has. Ethyl oleate can be lab-created and is also found naturally in plants such as neem and cinnamon. In its raw form it is a clear to pale yellow liquid. Its fluid nature lends excellent spreadability to cosmetics. A formal safety assessment of ethyl oleate hasn’t been done; however, oleic acid is considered safe for skin. Usage levels of ethyl oleate in cosmetics have not been firmly established.

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.