2-Hydroxyethyl oleate is a yellow liquid with a fatty odor that is sometimes used in cosmetics. It has several functions, including being an antistatic agent, skin conditioner, emollient (which means it helps soften and soothe the skin), and surfactant (which helps mix oil and water-based ingredients together). It can also be known by other names such as glycol oleate.
What is the purpose of Ethylene glycol oleate in personal care products?
It is used for its anti-static, skin conditioning
, skin conditioning emollient
, and surfactant emulsifying
characteristics.
Ethylene glycol oleate prevents static electricity buildup, moisturizes and strengthens skin, hydrates skin to prevent dryness, and helps mix liquids that don't usually mix.
Names and identifiers that we found for this substance include: Ethylene glycol oleate, 2-Hydroxyethyl oleate, Glycol Oleate, "Oleic acid, 2-hydroxyethyl ester", 2-Hydroxyethyl (9Z)-octadec-9-enoate, and (Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid 2-hydroxyethyl ester.
Ethylene glycol oleate has anti-static characteristics.
Anti-static ingredients are used in cosmetic products to help prevent static electricity from building up on your skin or hair. Static electricity can cause your hair to stick to your face, your makeup to cling to your skin unflatteringly, or even cause an uncomfortable shock.
These ingredients create a barrier on the surface of your skin or hair, which helps neutralize any electrical charge that might be present. This means that static electricity is less likely to build up, so your hair and makeup stay in place, and you don't have to worry about uncomfortable shocks.
Ethylene glycol oleate has skin conditioning characteristics.
Skin conditioning ingredients improve the texture, feel, and overall appearance of the skin, helping to avoid harmful effects from external factors. Skin conditioning ingredients moisturize the skin and strengthen its natural barrier function to help protect it from damage caused by harsh weather and sunlight. Some skin conditioning ingredients are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce redness and irritated skin.
Ethylene glycol oleate has skin conditioning emollient characteristics.
Skin conditioning emollients help improve the skin's texture and appearance while providing it with the necessary hydration to prevent dryness and flakiness. Emollients are lubricants that create a barrier on the skin's surface to trap moisture, which helps prevent dryness and dehydration.
Skin conditioning emollients are commonly found in cosmetics such as moisturizers and lotions, which significantly help maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin. Emollients are typically made from natural oils, such as coconut or jojoba, and can also contain humectants that draw moisture to the skin's surface.
Ethylene glycol oleate has surfactant emulsifying characteristics.
Surfactant emulsifying ingredients helps mix two liquids that do not usually mix well by reducing the surface tension of the ingredients. The emulsification process involves suspending or dispersing one liquid in a second liquid, such as oil in water or vice versa. However, these two liquids have different properties that cause them to repel each other and not mix. This is where surfactants come in, as they can reduce the liquids' surface tension and allow them to mix.
Surfactants have two ends: a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and a hydrophobic (water-repelling) tail. When added to two liquids that do not mix well, the hydrophilic head attaches to the water-based liquid, while the hydrophobic tail attaches to the oil-based liquid. This creates a stable mixture of the two liquids and allows for a smooth and even distribution of ingredients in the cosmetic product.
Remember, always read and follow the instructions provided on product labels carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about using a product containing various ingredients, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before use.