Common Name(s): Glyceryl oleate se,self-emulsifying glycerolmonooleate,gmo se
CAS Number: 25496-72-4
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Helps oil and water blend naturally and may help active ingredients absorb better into skin.
Why It's Used: Se (self-emulsifying) grade with ~5% sodium oleate soap enables spontaneous emulsification in water; also valued for penetration-enhancing properties of glyceryl oleate.
How It Works: Residual sodium oleate soap reduces interfacial tension spontaneously; oleic acid chain (c18:1) enhances skin lipid penetration; glycerol head provides water-binding.
Typically Found In: Natural emulsions,self-emulsifying systems,penetration-enhancing formulas,natural cosmetics
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,penetration enhancing,moisturizing
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Glycerin plant-derived; oleic acid from olive/sunflower; se grade contains minimal sodium oleate soap. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 – low
Sensitivity Concerns: Well tolerated; se grade slightly more irritating than pure gmo due to residual soap.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Natural oils,humectants,plant butters,other natural emulsifiers
Avoid Combining With: Avoid with cationic surfactants (soap precipitation)
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Glyceryl monooleate (gmo) is a natural-origin emulsifier with documented skin penetration enhancing properties via oleic acid disruption of stratum corneum lipid organization; se grade facilitates processing in aqueous systems.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,cas 25496-72-4