Common Name(s): Oleyl alcohol,oleyl alcohol,cosmetic functional ingredient,established cosmetic active

CAS Number: N/a

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides polyol humectant moisture retention, co-solvent activity, and mild skin penetration enhancement.

Why It's Used: Oleyl alcohol is selected for the specific functional properties of its molecular class — the chemical architecture of oleyl alcohol delivers the required cosmetic performance through documented interactions with skin biology and formulation matrix.

How It Works: Hydroxyl groups form h-bonds with water molecules providing hygroscopic moisture retention. alkyl chain length controls lipophilicity — short chains provide humectancy; long chains provide emolliency.

Typically Found In: Cosmetic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active ingredient – cosmetic active

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–10%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes - standard ethanol routes are non-animal; confirm denaturant origin

Halal Status: Conditional - ethanol production route and residual concentration; jurisdiction-dependent, refer to certifier stance

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: ethanol pathway; determination depends on route, on whether the plant also produces beverage alcohol, and on residual concentration. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile at recommended concentrations. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Safety documented in cosing and cosmetic chemistry literature at standard formulation concentrations.

Last Verified: 2026-03-22

Primary Sources: Cosing database,oleyl alcohol technical review