OLEIC ACID 75% MIN (C18:0 2.5 MAX)

Brief Overview

Oleic acid, characterized as a monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, occurs naturally in diverse animal and vegetable fats and oils. While this compound is typically colorless and odorless, commercial samples may display a faint yellowish hue. Its association with oil and olive is particularly notable, emphasizing its prevalence in oils predominantly composed of oleic acid.

Manufacturing Process

The production of oleic acid typically involves a blend of fats, including beef tallow, lard, and vegetable oil. This mixture undergoes refining and hydrolysis to produce mixed fatty acids. Cold compression of these fatty acids yields oleic and stearic acid. Subsequent dehydration and distillation processes result in crude oleic acid, with stearic acid as a by-product. Approximately 80% of the distillate obtained from this process constitutes oleic acid.

Soap Industry

Unsaturated fatty acids like oleic acid improve the conditioning and moisturizing qualities of soap. Oleic acid is the reason olive oil is so popular among soapmakers worldwide. Contrary to popular belief, certain oils include far more oleic acid than olive oil. These include the higher oleic Sunflower, Safflower, and Canola oils as well as the more expensive luxury oils like Hazelnut, Marula, Moringa, and Buriti oils.

Cosmetic Applications

In cosmetics, it serves as an emollient. The compound's ability to bind water enables the creation of an oily layer that helps the skin maintain moisture. The skin stays healthy and hydrated as long as it holds onto moisture.

Manufacturing Applications

It is utilized in the surfactant-making method. Clothing stains can be cleaned out of clothes by using surfactants as a cleaning agent. The surface tension between two liquid phases—oil and water—is lowered using oleic acid. Also, oleic acid is used to make plasticizer. A plasticizer is an ingredient that softens material by reducing its viscosity.

Other Applications

Oleic acid is used in tiny amounts as an excipient in pharmaceutical products. Oleic acid is also used in aerosol goods as an emulsifying or solubilizing agent. Emulsifiers function to prevent separation or coalescence by stabilizing the liquid mixture of the water and oil phases.