What Is Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters?
Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters is a plant-derived ingredient made by joining sesame seed oil with glycereth-8, a form of glycerin that has been reacted with ethylene oxide to boost its water friendliness. Through a process called transesterification, the fatty acids in cold-pressed sesame oil swap places with portions of glycereth-8, creating a new molecule that behaves like a bridge between water and oil. This gentle, nonionic character is what makes the ingredient valuable in skin care.
Sesame oil itself has been prized since ancient times for its nourishing feel, and chemists began modifying it in the late twentieth century to make it more compatible with modern, water-based formulas. By linking the oil to glycereth-8 they produced an ester that maintains the soothing touch of sesame while dissolving easily in cleansers and lotions.
You will usually spot Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters in facial washes, micellar waters, shower gels, lightweight moisturizers and makeup removers. Its ability to mix oil and water means it can also show up in hair cleansers and two-phase body sprays.
Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The ingredient is valued mainly for one key function: cleansing. It helps lift away dirt, sweat and makeup without stripping the skin’s natural oils, leaving a soft hydrated feel instead of a squeaky-tight finish. Formulators like it because it boosts mildness, improves rinse-off and adds a silky glide to both face and body products.
Who Can Use Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
This gentle cleansing ester is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it well because it is nonionic and low in irritants. Acne-prone users may also find it agreeable since it helps wash away excess oil without leaving a heavy film. There are no known reasons for extremely dry or compromised skin to avoid it, though those with a proven sesame allergy should steer clear as trace proteins may remain.
The ingredient is plant derived so it is appropriate for vegans and vegetarians. No animal by-products are used in its manufacture.
Current research does not flag Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters as a concern for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should show any skincare product to a healthcare professional before use to be safe.
The ester does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight and there is no evidence of other special precautions needed beyond normal good skincare habits.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical use of Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters can vary person to person. The points below outline potential reactions only and most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is properly formulated and used as intended.
- Mild redness or stinging in individuals with very sensitive skin
- Contact dermatitis in people allergic to sesame seed components
- Eye irritation if a high-foaming cleanser containing the ester gets into the eyes
- Rare clogging or breakout if combined with heavily occlusive ingredients in a formula not balanced for acne-prone skin
If you notice irritation stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5. The sesame fatty acids are chemically linked to highly water loving glycereth-8, creating an ester that rinses away easily rather than lingering on skin. This hydrophilic character means it is far less likely to block pores compared with raw sesame oil.
Generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, provided the rest of the formula is non-occlusive.
As with any cleansing agent, final comedogenicity depends on the full recipe and how thoroughly the product is rinsed off.
Summary
Sesame Oil Glycereth-8 Esters is a plant based cleansing agent that works by acting as a bridge between water and oil, helping lift away grime while leaving skin soft. Its mild nonionic nature supports gentle face washes, micellar waters, body cleansers and even lightweight moisturizers.
The ester is not as famous as classic surfactants like coco-glucoside yet formulators appreciate its silky glide and low irritation profile, so it is popping up more often in modern mild cleansers.
Safety data show a low risk of irritation except for those with sesame allergy, and its low comedogenic rating makes it friendly for most skin types. As with any new skincare ingredient it is wise to patch test a product before full use to be sure your skin agrees.