Oleic Acid 80% Min

Brief Overview

Oleic acid, a naturally occurring monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, is found in various plant and animal fats and oils. Commercial samples may exhibit a yellow tint, but the oil is typically colorless and odorless. Chemically categorized as a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, oleic acid is associated with olive oil, predominantly composed of this beneficial compound.

Manufacturing Process

Oleic acid production commonly involves combining fats such as beef tallow, lard, and vegetable oil, followed by refining and hydrolysis to obtain mixed fatty acids. Cold compression separates oleic and stearic acid. Dehydration and distillation processes then produce crude oleic acid, with stearic acid as a by-product. About 80% of the obtained distillate is oleic acid.

Cosmetic Applications

It acts as a cosmetic emollient, creating an oily layer that preserves skin moisture with its water-binding properties. This helps maintain skin health and hydration by preventing moisture loss.

Manufacturing Applications

Oleic acid finds application in the synthesis of surfactants, versatile cleaning agents effective for stain removal in clothing. Its role in reducing surface tension between two liquid phases, such as oil and water, enhances its utility. Furthermore, oleic acid serves as a precursor in the production of plasticizers, substances designed to lower the viscosity of materials and facilitate softening.

Others
Minimum amounts of oleic acid are used as an excipient in medicinal products. Furthermore, oleic acid is used in aerosol goods as an emulsifying or solubilizing ingredient. Emulsifiers are essential for maintaining the oil and water phase liquid mixture's stability and averting separation or coalescence.