Coconut oil glycereth-8 esters is an oily product obtained from the plant Cocos nucifera by a transesterification process.
The name describes the structure of the molecule:
- Coconut Oil refers to a vegetable oil extracted from the flesh of the coconut. Coconut oil is known for its moisturizing and nourishing properties.
- glycereth-8 indicates that the coconut oil has been modified with glycereth-8, a derivative of glycerol. The number "8" refers to the average number of ethylene oxide units added.
- esters indicates that the compound is an ester, a type of chemical compound formed from the reaction between an acid and an alcohol. In this case, the esters are formed from the reaction of coconut oil with glycereth-8.
Industrial Chemical Synthesis of Coconut Oil Glycereth-8 Esters
- Esterification. The process begins with the reaction of coconut oil with glycereth-8. During this reaction, ester bonds are formed between the fatty acids of coconut oil and glycereth-8.
- Reaction Control. The esterification reaction is monitored to ensure it occurs correctly and the desired product is formed.
- Purification. After the reaction, the coconut oil glycereth-8 esters are purified to remove impurities and by-products.
- Quality Control and Packaging. The coconut oil glycereth-8 esters undergo quality checks to ensure they meet the required standards. After quality control, they are packaged for use in cosmetic and personal care products, where they utilize their properties as moisturizing and conditioning agents.
It is a liquid or semi-solid substance used in different cosmetic and personal care products. It is a clear to pale yellow liquid, soluble in water and oils.
What it is used for and where
Coconut Oil Glycereth-8 Esters are used in cosmetic products as cleansing agents. They are valued for their ability to make the skin soft and smooth and to improve the texture of cosmetic products.
Cocos nucifera is a plant that grows in tropical and subtropical regions, produces coconuts and belongs to the Arecaceae family.
Phytochemical analysis showed components such as caffeic acid and ascorbic acid with antioxidant, hepatoprotective activity.
Cosmetics
Cleansing agent. Ingredient that cleanses skin without exploiting the surface-active properties that produce a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum.
Surfactant - Cleansing agent. Cosmetic products used to cleanse the skin utilise the surface-active action that produces a lowering of the surface tension of the stratum corneum, facilitating the removal of dirt and impurities.
Safety
It is a product structurally related to PEGs (polyethylene glycerol ethers) on the safety of which the scientific literature has conflicting opinions.
Since the PEG (Polyethylene glycol) family is very numerous and can be found in cosmetic, industrial, pharmaceutical, medical and other products, we need 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 are actually 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 represents the molecular weight and the higher this number is, the less it penetrates the skin.
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. At present, no manufacturer is known to provide this information on the label.
Synonyms:
Coconut oil glycereth-8 esters 
