Evidence supporting the use of: Glyceryl oleate
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Glyceryl oleate is an ester of glycerin and oleic acid and is widely used in skin care formulations. Scientifically, it functions primarily as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier. Its emollient properties help to soften and smooth the skin by forming a protective barrier that reduces water loss (transepidermal water loss), thereby supporting skin hydration. Glyceryl oleate is also found naturally in the skin’s own sebum, which suggests compatibility and a low risk of irritation for most users. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have investigated the ingredient’s effects on skin barrier function and hydration, showing modest but consistent improvements in skin feel and moisture retention when included in topical products.
However, the evidence base is largely limited to mechanistic studies and its long history of safe use in cosmetics, rather than large-scale clinical trials directly measuring skin condition improvements. Regulatory bodies such as the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel have reviewed the safety of glyceryl oleate and found it to be non-irritating and safe for use in cosmetic formulations. In summary, the use of glyceryl oleate in skin care is supported by scientific understanding of its function as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, but high-quality clinical studies specifically validating its efficacy for overall skin health are limited.
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