Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Oleyl Erucate?
Oleyl erucate is an ester of oleyl alcohol (which can be derived from fish oil and vegetable sources) and erucic acid, a type of omega fatty acid.
In cosmetics, it primarily functions as a humectant, meaning it attracts water to skin. It also works as an occlusive and opacifying agent and solvent. On skin it’s known for aiding spreadability of creams and for its non-greasy finish.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review has deemed oleyl erucate safe in its current usage in cosmetics, where its percentage used ranges from 1-12%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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SpecialChem, Website, Accessed October 2025 [https://www.specialchem.com/cosmetics/inci-ingredients/oleyl-erucate]
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CoSmile Europe, Website, Accessed October 2025 [https://cosmileeurope.eu/inci/detail/9776/oleyl-erucate]
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UL Prospector, Website, Accessed October 2025 [https://www.ulprospector.com/en/na/PersonalCare/Detail/1483/116763/TEGOSOFT-OER-MB]
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Materials, January 2024, pages 1-30 [https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1944/17/1/268]
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International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 5S-69S [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26362120/]
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- OLEYL ERUCATE
- EC Number
- 241-654-9
- Function
- Emollient
From the Clinic
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Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil
An emollient, non-fragrant plant oil | Helps trap moisture within skin
Oleic/Linoleic Triglyceride
A plant-derived emollient that softens and conditions the skin barrier
Oleyl Alcohol
A fatty alcohol that softens skin and enhances ingredient penetration
Oleyl Oleate
A lightweight ester that softens and conditions skin without a greasy residue
Olive Oil Decyl Esters
A plant-derived ester that helps restore skin's lipid barrier
Olive Oil/Olive Fruit Oil
An emollient, non-fragrant plant oil also called Olea Europaea (Olive) fruit oil | Beneficial for dry skin because of its fatty acid content
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