Hydrogenated palm glyceride is a chemical compound obtained by a process of hydrogenating palm oil.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Hydrogenated" indicates that the product has undergone a hydrogenation process, where unsaturated double bonds present in lipids have been converted to saturated single bonds by the addition of hydrogen.
• "Palm" refers to palm oil from which the glyceride is derived.
• "Glyceride" is an ester derived from glycerin and a fatty acid.

Raw materials in the production of Hydrogenated Palm Glyceride.

• Palm Glyceride. Extracted from palm oil, which is a vegetable oil derived from the fruit of the oil palm tree.
• Hydrogen. Gas used in the hydrogenation process.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process:

• Extraction of Palm Oil. Palm oil is extracted from the pulp of the oil palm fruit.
• Separation of Glyceride. The oil then undergoes a fractionation process to separate the specific triglyceride.
• Hydrogenation. The palm glyceride is then subjected to a hydrogenation process in the presence of a catalyst, usually nickel-based, and under pressure. This process turns the unsaturated double bonds present in the glyceride into saturated single bonds, making the end product solid or semi-solid at room temperature.
• Refinement. After hydrogenation, the glyceride is purified to remove any impurities.
• Quality control and packaging. The final product is tested to ensure it meets quality standards. Once approved, it's packaged and prepared for shipment.

 It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is for and where

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.

Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

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.

Light stabilizer. It prevents light from degrading light-sensitive components and slows down degradation reactions that have already begun. The mechanism is, in a way, similar to antioxidants and the effectiveness depends on the.complexity of the formulation and the density of the product.

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. 

CAS   91744-73-9

EC number   294-638-9

Commercial Applications

Cosmetic and Skincare Products. Hydrogenated Palm Glyceride is commonly used as an emollient and stabilizing agent in creams, lotions, and other skincare products.

Haircare Products. It can be used in hair conditioners and treatments to add shine and softness.

Make-up Products. Found in items such as lipsticks and concealers to enhance texture and longevity.

Food Industry. Used as a stabilizing and thickening agent in various food products.

Medical Applications

Medicated Balms and Creams. Hydrogenated Palm Glyceride can be employed in medicated formulations to help provide emollient and protective action on the skin.