Description

Elaeis Guineensis Butter, commonly known as palm butter, is derived from the fruit of the oil palm, Elaeis guineensis, belonging to the Arecaceae family. This butter is widely used in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries for its emollient and moisturizing properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Elaeis Guineensis Butter is composed primarily of triglycerides, which include a mix of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids such as palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid. It also contains minor components such as tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, and phytosterols.

Physical Properties

Elaeis Guineensis Butter typically appears as a semi-solid to solid at room temperature, with a color ranging from white to yellowish. It has a mild, neutral aroma and a smooth, creamy texture. The butter is soluble in oils and organic solvents but has limited water solubility.

Production Process

Harvesting and Selection: The fruits of the oil palm are harvested and carefully selected to ensure the quality of the butter.
Oil Extraction: The oil is extracted from the mesocarp of the fruit through mechanical pressing.
Processing: The extracted oil undergoes a refining process which includes degumming, neutralization, bleaching, and deodorization to produce a purer butter.
Solidification: The refined oil is then cooled and solidified to produce the butter.
Quality Control: Rigorous quality tests are conducted to evaluate the purity, stability, and composition of the butter, including chemical and microbiological analyses.

Applications

Cosmetic Products: Used in creams, lotions, balms, and body butters for its emollient and moisturizing properties, enhancing skin hydration and texture.
Skin Care: Ideal for products aimed at providing deep hydration, improving skin elasticity, and offering protection against dryness.
Hair Care: Incorporated into conditioners, hair masks, and treatments for its ability to nourish, soften, and add shine to the hair.
Food Industry: Used as a cooking ingredient and in various food products for its stable fat content and creamy texture.
Pharmaceutical Products: Utilized in various formulations for its emollient and protective properties.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Elaeis Guineensis Butter is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. Proper use within recommended concentrations is essential to ensure safety and maximize effectiveness. However, the sustainability and environmental impact of palm oil production are significant considerations. The cultivation of oil palm has been associated with deforestation, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. Efforts to source palm butter from sustainable and certified sources (such as RSPO-certified palm products) are crucial to mitigate these impacts.

INCI


Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Surfactant - Foam booster. It has the effect of introducing gas bubbles into the water and affects the cleaning process by helping to spread the cleanser. Since sebum has an inhibiting effect on the bubble, more foam is produced in the second shampoo.
Synonyms:

CAS: 8023-79-8 EC number 232-425-4