Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate is a chemical compound, citrate of glycerides derived from hydrogenated palm oil or fat esterified with citric acid, primarily used in cosmetics and skincare products. 

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides refers to glycerides, which are fatty acid esters of glycerol, derived from palm oil. Hydrogenation is a chemical process that adds hydrogen atoms to oils, making them more solid or semi-solid at room temperature. This process also alters the texture and stability of the product.
• Citrate indicates the presence of citrate, the salt or ester of citric acid. Citrate is often used in cosmetics as a chelating or stabilizing agent.

Description of Raw Materials and Their Functions

Palm Glycerides. A mixture of glycerides, which are esters of fatty acids and glycerol, derived from palm oil. These glycerides provide the lipid base of the co

Hydrogen. Used in the hydrogenation process to saturate the double bonds in the fatty acids of the palm glycerides, improving stability and altering the physical properties of the compound.

Citric Acid. A weak organic acid used to esterify the hydrogenated palm glycerides. It adds antioxidant properties and modifies the solubility of the compound.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate

• Preparation. The synthesis begins with the reaction of palm glycerides with hydrogen to produce hydrogenated palm glycerides.
• Hydrogenation. The palm glycerides are exposed to hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst, saturating the double bonds in the fatty acids.
• Esterification with Citric Acid. The hydrogenated palm glycerides are then esterified with citric acid, forming hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate.
• Reaction Control. The reaction is monitored to ensure that the hydrogenation and esterification occur correctly.
• Purification. After the reaction, the product is purified to remove impurities and by-products.
• Quality Control and Packaging. Hydrogenated palm glycerides citrate undergoes quality checks and is then packaged for use in cosmetic and food products as emulsifiers and antioxidants.

It appears in the form of a white, water-insoluble, biodegradable powder.

What it is used for and where

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate is used in cosmetics for its emollient properties and as stabilizers in emulsions. They help to improve the texture and longevity of cosmetic products.

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate forms colloidal associations with cationic polymers and if its content is low, the colloidal suspension remains stable.

The most relevant studies on the subject have been selected with a summary of their contents:

Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides Citrate studies

• Molecular Formula     
• Molecular Weight     
• CAS  91744-68-2   91052-16-3
• UNII     23AS6RA25L
• EC Number   294-633-1
• DSSTox Substance ID  

Synonyms:

• Glycerides, palm-oil mono-, di- and tri-, hydrogenated, citrates
• Glycerides, C16-18 and C18-unsatd. mono- and di-, citrates