Ingredient Directory
Low ConcernVegan Evaluator Flag

Oleic Acid

Oleic acid / Cis-9-octadecenoic acid

Safety Notes

C18:1 monounsaturated fatty acid; major component of olive oil; emollient; penetration enhancer (disrupts lipid bilayer, consider for high-active formulas); sebum component; well-tolerated

Function & Common Use

Function

Emollient / Emulsifier Component / Penetration Enhancer

Category

Emollient

Common In

Soaps creams emulsions penetration enhancer systems

Origin

Vegetable (olive oil) / Animal

Concentration Limits

India (CDSCO)

No limit

EU Cosmetics Reg.

No limit

US FDA (21 CFR)

No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked

Korea (MFDS)

No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category

Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oleic Acid safe to use in skincare?

Oleic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. C18:1 monounsaturated fatty acid; major component of olive oil; emollient; penetration enhancer (disrupts lipid bilayer, consider for high-active formulas); sebum component; well-tolerated

Is Oleic Acid allowed in India?

Oleic Acid is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.

What is Oleic Acid used for in cosmetics?

Oleic Acid functions as: Emollient / Emulsifier Component / Penetration Enhancer. It is commonly found in: Soaps creams emulsions penetration enhancer systems.

TCS Assessment
Low Concern
Data Confidence
High
Based on peer-reviewed safety data, regulatory status, and expert review by The Clean Sheet panel.

Regulatory Status

India (CDSCO)
Permitted
EU
Permitted
US FDA
Permitted
Korea (MFDS)
Permitted
Australia (TGA)
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Canada (NHPID)
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies

Identifiers

CAS112-80-1
EC204-007-1

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