Sclerocarya birrea seed oil PEG-8 esters is a chemical compound, a PEG (polyethylene glycol) derivative that has been obtained by a process of transesterification of Sclerocarya birreal seed oil.
The name describes the structure of the ingredient:
- "Sclerocarya Birrea" is the botanical name for a tree commonly known as Marula. It is native to Africa and produces fruits from which seeds are extracted.
- "Seed Oil" indicates that the product is an oil extracted from the seeds of the Marula tree.
- "PEG-8 esters". This term indicates that the Marula seed oil has been esterified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing eight ethylene oxide units. This process makes the oil more water-soluble and enhances its emulsifying properties.
Description of raw materials used in production.
- Sclerocarya birrea seed oil (Marula oil). Derived from the seeds of the Marula tree.
- Polyethylene glycol (PEG-8). A synthetic compound used to esterify oils.
Detailed summary of the production process.
- Extraction of Marula oil. As previously described, the oil is extracted from the seeds of the Marula tree.
- Esterification with PEG-8. The Marula oil is then subjected to an esterification process with PEG-8. This process binds the PEG molecules to the oil, increasing its water solubility.
- Purification. The product is purified to remove any impurities.
What it is used for and where
Cosmetics
Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing its flakiness and restoring its elasticity.
Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.
Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very large and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, it is necessary to make an introductory statement on the subject, which is rather complex from a safety point of view because these products not only come into contact with the skin, but, as in the case of medical products, are ingested.
PEGs (polyethylene glycol) polymerise condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but in reality they are complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene combined with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as etherification, but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester. The number appearing after the abbreviation PEG refers to mol of ethylene oxide and the higher this number is, the less it can penetrate the skin.
Safety. The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. No manufacturer appears to provide this information on the label, at least as of the date of this review.
