Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

What is Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides?

Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides is a lipid ingredient derived from phytosterols—naturally occurring plant sterols similar to cholesterol—and fatty acids obtained from canola oil glycerides. Canola oil comes from the seeds of the rapeseed plant, making this a fully plant-sourced material. Chemically, it consists of esters formed by combining these phytosterols with glycerol-based fatty acids. In cosmetics, it appears in categories like moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners. Its primary function involves forming a lightweight, occlusive film on the skin and hair shafts. This barrier helps lock in moisture, reduces surface friction, and enhances slipperiness, leading to smoother application and better product spreadability without greasiness. It mimics natural skin lipids, supporting the outer layer's integrity for everyday formulations.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Hair conditioning
Improves softness, shine, and manageability by reducing friction and static; commonly achieved with cationic agents, silicones, oils, or conditioning polymers.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Supports skin softness and flexibility by forming a protective moisture barrier.

Enhances hair manageability, shine, and reduced friction for easier styling.

Provides lightweight emolliency suitable for daily conditioning products.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals with normal to dry skin seeking added smoothness.
Those with known allergies to canola or rapeseed derivatives.
People with hair that tangles or lacks shine from environmental factors.
People sensitive to emollient esters in high concentrations.
Users preferring plant-derived conditioning agents in rinse-off products.
Individuals avoiding glyceride-based ingredients for personal reasons.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by major cosmetic safety assessors.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores based on available data.

Frequently Asked Questions about Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides

What is Phytosteryl Canola Glycerides made from?

It combines plant phytosterols with fatty acids from canola oil glycerides, creating a natural emollient.

Is it safe for sensitive skin?

It carries a low safety rating with no widespread irritation reports from cosmetic reviews.

Does it clog pores?

Assigned a comedogenic rating of zero, indicating low pore-clogging potential.