Sweet Almond Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters are a class of compounds derived from the esterification of sweet almond oil with polyglyceryl-6. These esters are known for their emollient and emulsifying properties, making them valuable in various cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Chemically, Sweet Almond Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters are composed of fatty acid chains from sweet almond oil bonded to a polyglycerol backbone containing six glycerol units. The esterification process results in the formation of multiple ester bonds, providing the compound with its unique characteristics.
Physical Properties
Appearance: Typically a clear to pale yellow liquid or semi-solid.
Odor: Mild, characteristic odor.
Solubility: Insoluble in water, but dispersible in oil and some organic solvents.
Density: Varies based on specific formulation but generally around 0.9 g/cm³.
Melting Point: Depends on the specific fatty acid composition and degree of esterification.
Production Process
Raw Material Preparation: Sweet almond oil is extracted from the seeds of Prunus amygdalus var. dulcis.
Polyglycerol Preparation: Glycerol is polymerized to form polyglyceryl-6.
Esterification: Sweet almond oil is reacted with polyglyceryl-6 under controlled temperature and pressure conditions, typically using a catalyst to promote the ester bond formation.
Purification: The resulting esters are purified through distillation or other methods to remove any unreacted components and by-products.
Quality Control: The final product is tested for purity, consistency, and compliance with industry standards.
Applications
Medical: Used in topical formulations for its skin-conditioning properties, aiding in the treatment of dry and sensitive skin conditions.
Cosmetics: Commonly found in lotions, creams, lip balms, and hair care products as an emollient and emulsifier. It enhances the texture, spreadability, and moisturizing effects of cosmetic products.
Others: Utilized in food industry as a non-toxic, biodegradable emulsifier and stabilizer in various formulations.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Biodegradability: Sweet Almond Oil Polyglyceryl-6 Esters are biodegradable, making them environmentally friendly.
Toxicity: Generally considered non-toxic and safe for use in personal care products. However, it is essential to ensure that the product is free from contaminants and complies with regulatory standards.
Allergenicity: Individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution, as sweet almond oil is derived from almonds. Patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.
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.
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.
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