Triglycerides are ubiquitous in personal care and cosmetic formulations. But… how much do you really know about them?

Whether natural plant oils/fats, synthetic esters, or petroleum-derived hydrocarbons, their unique chemical compositions determine those characteristics and how they apply to different product types. Lipids could be considered the most important part of skin care products. They are able to protect the skin from water loss, helping the barrier function of the skin. The main lipid category is a triglyceride and other lipids include phospholipids, steroids and essential oils.

The molecular structure of triglycerides and fatty acids determines the interdependent properties of stability, melt profile and compatibility of different oils and fats.  Knowing how these properties determine the unique characteristics of particular oils and fats can help us to make better choices for different product applications.

 

WHAT ARE TRIGLYCERIDES?

Triglycerides are the major molecular class comprising natural fats and oils. A triglyceride is composed of three fatty acid chains connected via a glycerol backbone. There are many different types of triglyceride, with the main division between saturated and unsaturated types, depending on the presence or not of carbon double bonds.

The different molecular structures of these types of substances means they have different effects on the behaviour of the emulsion system and the stability of the cosmetic product. Therefore, the polarity, density, viscosity and other physicoc­hemical properties of oils influence the behaviour of emulsions too.

 

WHAT’S NEXT?

These ingredients are considered an excellent emollient and skin-replenishing ingredients. Are usually included in cosmetics due to its components, that skin can use to replenish its surface and resist moisture loss. For example, Caprylic/capric triglyceride can function as a thickener, but its chief job is to moisturize and replenish skin.

There is a huge variety of Triglycerides available and ready-to-use for cosmetic formulations, all of them with different characteristics. Some of them are natural sourced ingredients, many others have synthetic origin but usually, the majority of them are safe for cosmetic formulation.

Before using any ingredient at any formulation, it has to be done some research and make sure the ingredient is permitted by the Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 of cosmetic products. In COSMESERVICE we are a group of highly qualified and trained professionals in Cosmetic Safety and Regulatory Affairs, ensuring compliance with regulations in order to safeguard the health of consumers. If you have any doubt of an ingredient or a formulation just contact us, we will be glad to help you.

 

Cosmeservice- EU Responsible Person