Glyceryl oleate (monoolein) is a low-HLB emulsifier mainly employed in the formulation of water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions. Its use in the food industry was first reported nearly a century ago, and it continues to be applied today as both a processing aid and an emulsion stabilizer. Glyceryl oleate is recognized as one of the leading skin penetration enhancers, valued for its ability to meet the highest standards of safety, performance, and versatility.
The proposed mechanism suggests that the material temporarily and reversibly disrupts the lamellar organization of the lipid bilayer in the outermost layer of the skin, thereby enhancing intercellular lipid fluidity. This effect is attributed to its ability to form liquid crystalline (LC) phases, which depend on water content and temperature. The three main LC structures are lamellar, hexagonal, and cubic. Among these, the cubic phase is especially important as it facilitates the penetration of otherwise poorly permeable active molecules, while also protecting them from degradation, enabling controlled release, and supporting skin hydration. This topic quickly becomes highly complex and extends beyond the scope of this product description.
Features:
- Completely odorless, tasteless, and colorless – ideal for clean, elegant formulations
- Cost-effective without compromising quality
- Safe and gentle: non-toxic, non-irritant, non-comedogenic, and non-allergenic
- Versatile compatibility with a wide range of cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients
- Fast-acting with predictable, reliable performance
- Reversible and gentle on skin, ensuring quick recovery of the stratum corneum
- Trusted and accepted in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications
