Glyceryl Olivate is a chemical compound, monoglyceric monoester obtained by the esterification of glycerine and carboxylic acids (an equivalent of a carboxylic acid and an equivalent of glycerine), in this ingredient the fatty acids obtained from olive oil.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Glyceryl  refers to glycerol, a molecule that contains three alcohol groups.
• Olivate, derived from the word "oleic" it indicates that the molecule is an ester of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid.

Description of the raw materials used in its production:

• Oleic Acid  is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in large quantities in olive oil and other vegetable oils. It constitutes one of the main components of Glyceryl Olivate ester.
• Glycerol  is an alcohol with three hydroxyl groups and is a fundamental component of lipids and fats. It is used to form the ester with oleic acid to obtain Glyceryl Olivate.

Industrial chemical synthesis step-by-step:

• Esterification - Oleic acid and glycerol are reacted in an esterification reaction. During this reaction, the carboxylic group of oleic acid reacts with a hydroxyl group of glycerol to form Glyceryl Olivate ester.
• Purification - The obtained Glyceryl Olivate is purified to remove any impurities and by-products.
• Drying and Packaging - The purified product is dried to remove residual moisture and then packaged for distribution and use in skincare and hair care products.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

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.

Safety. 

The purity level of commercial monoglyceric monoester is about 90 per cent, and impurities include fatty acids, monoglyceric diesters, mono-, di- and tri-glycerides.