Meadowfoam Estolide is a derivative of Meadowfoam seed oil (Limnanthes alba), a plant native to North America. This ingredient is primarily used in cosmetics and personal care products for its emollient and moisturizing properties. Meadowfoam estolide is highly valued for its ability to retain moisture, improve texture, and provide long-lasting protection to both skin and hair. Due to its stability and resistance to oxidation, it is ideal for products that require long shelf life.
Limnanthes alba is an annual, wild, short, fleshy, white-flowered plant native to Oregon, USA and belonging to the Limnanthaceae family. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of unsaturated fatty acids (erucic acid) which can, if ingested in high doses, cause a heart disease called myocardial lipidosis. This is not the case as this ingredient is smeared and not ingested), triterpenoids and glycosides.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Meadowfoam Estolide is composed of fatty acid esters derived from Meadowfoam oil. Estolides are known for their ability to form molecular structures that enhance moisture retention and improve the stability of cosmetic formulations. Meadowfoam oil is rich in long-chain fatty acids, such as eicosenoic acid, which contribute to its emollient and protective properties.
Physical Properties
Meadowfoam Estolide typically appears as a viscous, clear liquid with a yellow tint. It is oxidation-resistant and has a high tolerance to heat, making it ideal for products that need to maintain their properties over time. Meadowfoam Estolide is oil-soluble and can be easily incorporated into a wide range of cosmetic formulations.
Production Process
Meadowfoam Estolide is produced through a chemical reaction between fatty acids and alcohols derived from Meadowfoam seed oil. This process creates stable molecules that enhance the emollient properties and longevity of cosmetic formulations while preserving the beneficial characteristics of Meadowfoam oil.
Applications
Skin Care: Meadowfoam Estolide is used in creams, lotions, and serums for its moisturizing and protective properties. It provides long-lasting hydration without leaving a greasy feeling, making it ideal for dry and sensitive skin.
Hair Care: In hair care products like conditioners and masks, it helps improve hair softness, shine, and manageability while protecting against dehydration and damage from heat styling.
Makeup: It is often used in makeup products such as foundations and primers to enhance product texture and create a smooth, long-lasting finish.
INCI Functions:
Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying 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, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.
Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment by 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.
Health and Safety Considerations
Safety in Use
Meadowfoam Estolide is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is well tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is known for not causing significant irritation or skin sensitization. It is commonly used in natural and organic formulations.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to Meadowfoam Estolide are extremely rare. However, as with any cosmetic ingredient, it is advisable to perform a patch test, especially for individuals with very sensitive skin.
Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
There is no evidence that Meadowfoam Estolide is toxic or carcinogenic. It is considered a safe ingredient and is approved for cosmetic use in recommended concentrations.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Meadowfoam Estolide is biodegradable and derived from a sustainable source. The cultivation of the Meadowfoam plant is eco-friendly, and the extraction and production process for the estolide has a low environmental impact.
Regulatory Status
Meadowfoam Estolide is approved for use in cosmetics in many regions, including the European Union and the United States. It is considered a safe ingredient and is widely used in natural and organic formulations.
Meadowfoam estolide 
