Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters is a derivative of Brazil nut oil (from the seeds of Bertholletia excelsa) combined with polyethylene glycol (PEG-8). This combination enhances the oil’s solubility and usability in various cosmetic formulations. The Brazil nut tree belongs to the Lecythidaceae family. Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters is highly valued in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its emollient, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties. The ester form is used to improve the texture and effectiveness of skincare and haircare products.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters contains:

Fatty Acids: Including oleic acid and linoleic acid, which help maintain skin hydration and improve the skin barrier function.

Vitamins: Particularly vitamin E, known for its skin-nourishing and antioxidant properties.

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG-8): Enhances the solubility and stability of the oil in water-based formulations.

Physical Properties

Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil PEG-8 Esters typically appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid. It is easily soluble in water and other solvents, making it suitable for use in various cosmetic formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications

• Emollient: Provides a smooth, soft feel to the skin, making it ideal for use in creams, lotions, and serums.
• Moisturizing: The fatty acids in the esters help maintain skin hydration and improve the skin barrier function, making it beneficial for dry and sensitive skin.
• Skin Conditioning: The vitamins and fatty acids help improve the texture and appearance of the skin, making it softer and more resilient.
• Hair Conditioning: The esters can be used in haircare formulations to nourish and strengthen the hair, promoting healthy and shiny hair.
• Improved Solubility: The PEG-8 component enhances the solubility and stability of the oil, making it easier to incorporate into various formulations.
• Light Texture: Provides a light, non-greasy texture that is easily absorbed by the skin, making it suitable for use in a wide range of cosmetic products.

Bertholletia excelsa seed oil PEG-8 esters is a chemical compound, a PEG (polyethylene glycol) derivative that has been obtained by a process of transesterification of a mixture of Bertholletia excelsa seed oil. Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very large and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, it is necessary to make an introductory statement on the subject, which is rather complex from a safety point of view because these products not only come into contact with the skin, but, as in the case of medical products, are ingested.

PEGs (polyethylene glycol) polymerise condensed ethylene oxide and water and are referred to as polyethylene glycols, but in reality they are complex chemical components, polymers bonded together. For example, plastic is polyethylene and has a hard consistency, while polyethylene combined with glycol forms a liquid. PEGylation is produced not only as etherification, but also as transesterification, which is the transformation of an alcohol by an ester. The number appearing after the abbreviation PEG refers to mol of ethylene oxide and the higher this number is, the less it can penetrate the skin.

Cosmetics -INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent - Miscellaneous. This ingredient has the task of modifying the condition of the skin when it is damaged or dry by reducing its flakiness and restoring its elasticity.
• Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsifiers have the property to reduce the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improve emulsion stability and also directly influence the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating their filmometric performance.

Safety. 

The term 'eth' refers to the ethoxylation reaction with ethylene oxide after which residues of ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, chemical compounds considered carcinogenic, may remain. The degree of safety therefore depends on the degree of purity of the compound obtained. No manufacturer appears to provide this information on the label, at least as of the date of this review.