Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether Olivate/Succinate is a cosmetic ingredient used as an emulsifier, skin conditioner, and texture enhancer. It is the monoester formed by the reaction of Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether with a mixture of olive acid (from olive oil) and succinic acid. This complex ester is particularly effective in improving the stability and feel of cosmetic formulations, while also offering moisturizing and skin-softening benefits.

Chemical Composition and Structure

This ingredient combines the emollient properties of cetyl ether, derived from fatty alcohols, with the hydrating and skin-replenishing effects of olive acid and the buffering capacity of succinic acid. The resulting structure is a balanced, multifunctional molecule that helps to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and enhances the sensory attributes of skin care products.

Physical Properties

Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether Olivate/Succinate generally appears as a viscous, slightly opaque liquid that blends well into both aqueous and lipid phases. It has a balanced hydrophilic-lipophilic property, making it effective in forming stable emulsions and improving the dispersion of active ingredients.

Production Process

Synthesis: The esterification process involves reacting polyglyceryl-3 cetyl ether with a blend of olive acid and succinic acid, typically facilitated by a catalyst under controlled temperature conditions to promote ester bond formation.
Purification: Following synthesis, the product is purified through various methods such as filtration and distillation to achieve high purity and remove any unreacted starting materials or by-products.
Quality Control: The final product undergoes stringent testing to ensure its purity, efficacy, and compatibility with cosmetic formulations. Tests often include rheological assessments, stability tests, and performance evaluations.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Widely used in lotions, creams, sunscreens, and makeup formulations, where it acts as an emulsifier to ensure product stability and uniformity.
Skin Care: Its emollient and moisturizing properties make it ideal for use in products designed to nourish and protect the skin, helping to restore the skin's barrier function and enhance hydration.
Makeup: Enhances the application properties of foundations and concealers, providing a smooth, even distribution without compromising the skin's natural moisture.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Polyglyceryl-3 Cetyl Ether Olivate/Succinate is considered safe for use in cosmetic products, with a low risk of skin irritation or sensitization. It is biodegradable and derived from renewable resources, contributing to its environmentally friendly profile. As with all ingredients, it is essential to adhere to recommended usage levels to ensure product safety and efficacy.

INCI

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Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
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