Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Phytosterol Esters are compounds derived from macadamia seed oil (Macadamia ternifolia). These esters are produced through an esterification process that combines phytosterols with fatty acids present in macadamia oil. They are primarily used in cosmetic products for their moisturizing and protective properties.

Chemical Composition and Structure:

Key Components:
Phytosterols: Plant sterols found in macadamia oil that help strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin hydration.
Fatty Acids: The esters are derived from fatty acids in macadamia oil, such as palmitic acid and oleic acid, which contribute to their emollient efficacy.
Structure: The esters are formed through the reaction between phytosterols and fatty acids, resulting in esterified compounds that are lipid-soluble and useful in cosmetic formulations.

Physical Properties:

Appearance: Clear or slightly golden liquid.
Odor: Mildly nutty or neutral, characteristic of macadamia oil.
Texture: Lightweight and non-greasy, absorbing easily into the skin.

Production Process:

Oil Extraction: Macadamia oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant.
Esterification: Phytosterols and fatty acids from macadamia oil are combined through an esterification process to form the phytosterol esters.
Purification: The esters are purified to remove any impurities, resulting in a high-quality finished product.

Applications:

Moisturization: Used in cosmetic formulations to enhance skin hydration by creating a protective barrier.
Emollient: Provides a smooth and soft feel to the skin and hair.
Stability: Contributes to the stability and longevity of cosmetic products, enhancing their performance.

Safety and Considerations:

Safety: Generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetic products. No significant adverse effects are known when used in recommended concentrations.
Allergies: Rarely causes allergies, but individuals with nut allergies should exercise caution.
Sustainability: The use of phytosterol esters derived from plant oils supports a more natural and sustainable approach to cosmetics.

INCI:


Hair conditioning agent. A significant number of ingredients with specific and targeted purposes may co-exist in hair shampoo formulations: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, matting agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersants that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioning agents includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners. They can perform their task generally accompanied by other different ingredients.

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.
Synonyms:

CAS: 128497-20-1 129811-19-4