Cetyl Oleate

AKA: Palmityl oleate, Hexadecyl oleate, 22393-86-8, Hexadecyl 9-octadecenoate, Hexadecanyl 9Z-octadecenoate, GLICOCERIDE OCS, 9-Octadecenoic acid, Hexadecyl ester, WE(16:0/18:1(9Z))
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Not Clean
OriginDerived from cetyl alcohol and oleic acid, both fatty acid compounds commonly sourced from plant or animal oils. Synthesized through esterification, where cetyl alcohol and oleic acid chemically bond under controlled conditions.
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C34H66O2
Mol. Weight
506.90
CAS #
22393-86-8
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2015
Regulatory Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR