Glyceryl Dioleate

TL;DR. This ingredient primarily functions as a lipophilic nonionic emulsifier, co-emulsifier, and emollient. It helps stabilize oil-rich systems, improve spread, and give creams, balms, and color cosmetics a softer skin feel.

What does Glyceryl Dioleate do in a cosmetic formula?

This ingredient primarily functions as a lipophilic nonionic emulsifier, co-emulsifier, and emollient. It helps stabilize oil-rich systems, improve spread, and give creams, balms, and color cosmetics a softer skin feel.

Is Glyceryl Dioleate clean?

From a clean-beauty perspective, this ingredient is generally well tolerated and does not carry common restricted-list friction. Quality matters, since residual free fatty acids or processing byproducts can affect odor, feel, and formula stability.

Is Glyceryl Dioleate sustainable?

This material is commonly made from glycerin and vegetable-derived fatty fractions, though sourcing can vary by supplier. It is expected to be biodegradable and has a lower persistence profile than silicone-based emollients or fluorinated materials.

Is Glyceryl Dioleate COSMOS-approved?

It can be used in COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic products when the feedstocks and esterification process meet the standard’s requirements. Its fit with Green Chemistry is strongest when derived from renewable plant oils, made without ethoxylation, and supplied with clear biodegradability and sourcing documentation.

How does Glyceryl Dioleate work chemically?

The molecule is a nonionic glycerol diester with two monounsaturated C18 fatty-acyl chains, giving it low water solubility and strong affinity for the oil phase. It is commonly used at about 0.5–5% as a co-emulsifier, emollient, or lipid structurant, and it is generally stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges when protected from excessive oxidation.

Last updated 2026-05-13