What Is Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride?
Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride is a blend of fatty acids that have been joined to glycerin, forming a type of skin-friendly oil. The fatty acids in the mix come from well-known plant sources like olive, palm, coconut and sunflower oils, all of which are rich in the named acids: oleic, palmitic, lauric, myristic and linoleic. Chemists first began isolating and recombining these natural fats in the mid-1900s when the search for smoother, more stable cosmetic oils took off. Today the ingredient is made through a controlled process called esterification, where refined plant oils are split into their fatty acid parts, purified then reacted with glycerin. The finished triglyceride is clear, light and far less greasy than the raw oils it came from, making it easy to work into modern formulas. You will spot it in face and body creams, lotions, rich moisturizers, overnight masks, lip balms, makeup primers, hair conditioners and even gentle baby products.
Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In cosmetics this ingredient serves one key role: it is an emollient. As an emollient it softens and smooths the skin by filling in tiny gaps on the surface, helping to lock in water and leaving a supple, non-greasy finish. It also improves the spreadability of creams and lotions so they glide on more easily and it can reduce the heavy or sticky feel that some richer oils cause.
Who Can Use Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride
This silky triglyceride is gentle enough for most skin types, including dry, normal and combination skin. Oily or acne-prone skin can usually tolerate it as well because the finished ester is lighter and less pore-clogging than many raw plant oils, though extremely breakout-prone users may prefer to patch test first. Sensitive skin typically finds it soothing since the ingredient is free of common irritants like fragrance and essential oils.
Because the fatty acids are sourced from plants and no animal by-products are involved in the manufacturing process, the ingredient is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current research shows no specific risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when this emollient is used topically. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a healthcare professional just to be safe.
Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride does not make skin more sensitive to the sun and there are no known ingredient conflicts worth noting.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects and reactions to the topical application of Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride can vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only and they are unlikely to be the typical user experience when the ingredient is properly formulated.
- Mild redness or irritation in very sensitive skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis if someone is specifically allergic to one of the fatty acids
- Clogged pores or small breakouts in individuals highly prone to comedones
If any negative reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2/5
This triglyceride is built from fatty acid building blocks that on their own can be pore clogging, but once they are chemically linked to glycerin the finished ester becomes lighter and less likely to sit stubbornly inside pores. Most users will not notice extra congestion, yet those with very reactive oily skin might still prefer something rated 0 or 1. Overall it is considered low to moderately comedogenic so it is generally fine for acne-prone skin.
No major interactions with other ingredients affect its tendency to clog pores, and it rinses away more easily than raw plant oils, further reducing buildup risk.
Summary
Oleic/Palmitic/Lauric/Myristic/Linoleic Triglyceride acts mainly as an emollient that smooths skin, boosts softness and improves the slip of creams and lotions. By filling microscopic gaps in the skin’s surface and forming a light seal, it helps hold water in place for longer lasting hydration while avoiding a greasy afterfeel.
It pops up in a growing number of moisturizers, serums, lip balms and hair products because formulators like its balance of richness and light texture, though it is not as universally used as classics like caprylic/capric triglyceride.
The ingredient has an excellent safety record with very low rates of irritation or allergy. As with any new cosmetic, it is smart to perform a quick patch test before full use to make sure your skin agrees.