What Is 2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate?
2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate is an ester formed by joining oleic acid, a fatty acid found in olive oil, with proline, an amino acid naturally present in the skin. The result is a lipid-like molecule that blends well with the skin’s own oils. First explored in the 1990s by formulators looking for gentler ways to control excess sebum, it quickly found favor in both skin and hair care labs. Production involves reacting purified oleic acid with proline under controlled heat, then attaching the resulting compound to a long-chain alcohol to improve spreadability. After purification and quality checks, the finished ingredient appears as a soft, waxy solid.
Its emollient feel and sebum-balancing ability make it a popular choice in products such as lightweight moisturizers, mattifying primers, anti-shine gels, scalp treatments, clarifying masks, leave-in conditioners and soothing after-shave balms.
2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Here is how this multi-tasking ingredient supports both skin and hair care formulas:
- Anti-Seborrheic: Helps calm the look of oily, flaky skin by reducing visible scales on the scalp and face so products targeting dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis appear more effective and soothing
- Anti-Sebum: Moderates surface oil production which leads to a longer-lasting matte finish and fewer midday touchups for people with shiny skin
- Hair Conditioning: Smooths the hair cuticle to reduce frizz add softness and enhance combability without a heavy or greasy feel
- Skin Conditioning: Acts as a light emollient that reinforces the skin’s moisture barrier leaving it supple and comfortable
Who Can Use 2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate
This ingredient is especially helpful for oily and combination skin because it tempers excess sebum without stripping the surface. Normal skin types can also enjoy its light conditioning feel while very dry or severely compromised skin may find it less nourishing than richer lipids. Hair that tends to get greasy at the roots yet feels dry on the ends is an ideal match for its balanced conditioning profile.
The raw materials used to make 2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate are typically sourced from vegetable oils and fermented sugar so it is generally considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Those following a strict cruelty-free lifestyle should still verify the finished product’s certification to be sure animal testing was not involved.
No data indicate that the ingredient poses a specific risk to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when used topically at customary cosmetic levels. This information is not medical advice and expectant or nursing mothers should run any skincare or haircare item past a qualified healthcare provider just to be safe.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity. It is also color safe for treated hair and compatible with most common actives such as niacinamide retinol or salicylic acid.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses to topical 2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate can differ. The following points outline potential effects that could occur in rare cases; most users will not experience them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as directed.
- Mild skin irritation such as stinging or burning on very sensitive skin
- Redness or transient flushing if applied to freshly exfoliated or broken skin
- Follicular clogging or small bumps in users who are highly prone to comedones
- Allergic contact dermatitis if a person is sensitized to fatty acid derivatives
- Scalp sensitivity or itch when left on for extended periods in leave-in treatments
If any persistent discomfort swelling or rash occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Although 2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate is a lipid, its structure is branched and loosely packed which lets it melt quickly on contact with skin and disperse without forming a heavy occlusive film. In test formulas it shows little tendency to block pores compared with thicker fatty acids or butters, placing it near the lower end of the scale. That said, extremely oil-sensitive users might still notice the occasional clogged pore if they layer several rich products over it.
Suitable for most acne-prone or breakout-prone skin as long as the rest of the formula is also non-occlusive.
Formulators often pair it with lightweight humectants and oil-absorbing powders to keep the overall product below a 2 on the comedogenic scale.
Summary
2-Oleamido-1,3,4-Octadecatriyl Prolinate tempers excess sebum, lightly conditions skin and hair, smooths cuticles, and calms flaky areas by mimicking the skin’s own lipids while offering a dry, silky finish. It is still a niche ingredient, seen mostly in forward-thinking K-beauty or salon scalp treatments, yet its balanced feel is earning it steady spots in newer matte moisturizers and anti-shine primers.
Current safety data show it is well tolerated for topical use with only rare irritation or allergy reports. As with any new cosmetic ingredient users should patch test products containing it to rule out personal sensitivities.