Olivem 1000

INCI: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate

Common Name: Olivem® 1000

An emulsifier that also moisturises, made from olives and RSPO certified palm oil. 100% natural and easy to use in a wide range of skin care, hair care and baby products

Benefits

Product Benefits

As a vegetable-derived natural emulsifier, Olivem® 1000 is available in ivory waxy flakes, making it easy to incorporate into various formulations.

• Creates elegant, stable oil-in-water emulsions

• Mimics natural skin lipids for a smooth, luxurious feel

• PEG-free, non-ethoxylated, and readily biodegradable

• Compatible with a wide pH range (3–12) and skin-friendly ingredients

• COSMOS-approved and 100% naturally derived.

• Works well with electrolytes and supports the skin’s natural barrier

• Vegan, cruelty-free, RSPO-certified palm oil

• Excellent spread ability and skin absorption

• Ideal for creams, lotions, serums, and leave-in conditioners

• Microbiome-friendly and suitable for sensitive formulations

• Provides a deep moisturising effect by generating liquid crystal structures that mimic the skin's lipid composition.

• Suitable for both low and higher viscosity systems, offering versatility in formulations.

• Demonstrates good compatibility with various ingredients, including alpha-hydroxy acids and DHA.

Product Description

Product Description

Olivem® 1000 is a multifunctional, olive-derived emulsifier that delivers high-performance results in a wide range of skincare products. Designed to mimic the natural lipid structure of the skin, it helps create oil-in-water emulsions with a rich, cushioned texture and excellent skin compatibility.

This non-ionic emulsifier forms a unique liquid crystal structure during emulsification, which helps the finished product feel light yet nourishing. Thanks to its natural origin and PEG-free composition, Olivem® 1000 is a popular choice in formulations that align with eco-conscious values.

Whether used as the sole emulsifier or combined with other ingredients for added stability, Olivem® 1000 performs exceptionally well across various product types.

Blending Olivem® 1000 with other co-emulsifiers and thickeners can enhance the stability and performance of the final product. It offers great versatility for formulating everything from facial moisturizers and body creams to serums and baby care products.

When formulating with Olivem® 1000, it is important to follow a specific sequence for adding ingredients. Start by heating the oil phase and water phase separately to ensure all components are fully melted and homogeneous. Adding thickeners like Xanthan Gum at this stage can help achieve the desired viscosity.

It’s compatible with a broad range of pH levels and active ingredients, including alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and DHA, making it an excellent emulsifying base for more complex skincare formulations.

How to use it

How to Use

Skin Care

• Olivem® 1000 mimics the natural sebum found in our skin, which means it is easily absorbed into the skin and provides long-lasting hydration by slowing down TransEpidermal Water Loss (TEWL). In turn, this maintains the integrity of the skin barrier function, protecting the skin from external irritants and aggressors.

• The liquid crystal structure that the emulsion forms reflects light like microscopic mirrors. This gives a good luminescence to the skin which makes it look brighter, younger, and healthier.

• Because the lamellar structure that is formed in the emulsion keeps the skin hydrated for many hours, it has been noted that the skin can become less reactive. With sustainable long term hydration, the integrity of the skin is better protected and sensitive skin is protected and calmed.

• The emulsions that are formed are light and feel very elegant on the skin. They are not sticky and leave the skin feeling very cushioned, nurtured and protected.

• Oils that contain a natural level of SPF have always been difficult to use effectively in emulsions. The liquid crystal structure formed by this emulsifier allows for a good homogeneous dispersion of the UV filters. The finished product should still not be used as a guaranteed SPF product, just as a support to daily SPF protection.

• Creams and lotions made with this emulsifier preserve the skin’s microbiota. This can be enhanced for problem skin products by including Cosmetic Prebiotic as well.

• As it is self emulsifying, a balm can be made with no water (anhydrous) that can be worked onto the skin as a cleanser. This will self emulsify when in contact with water and will rinse clean away, leaving the skin feeling clean, soft and protected.

• It is so versatile, it can be used in day creams, night creams, serums, oil-free moisturisers, gels, body lotions, barrier creams, and baby products / sensitive skin. As it is stable to electrolytes, it can also be used in self-tanning lotions.

Hair Care

• It works well in hair conditioners and intensive hair treatments. It is even more effective if cationic materials (like Honey Moisturiser) are included for enhanced conditioning effect.

Technical & Formulation Details

• It is solid ivory white, waxy flakes with a very faint odour made from 100% plant materials. The fatty acids are taken from olives and are chemically very similar to the skin’s natural lipids.
  
  
• It creates an Oil in Water (O/W) emulsion. When the emulsion is formed, it creates a liquid crystal structure that mimics the stratum corneum of the epidermis. This means the resulting emulsion penetrates the skin very easily.
  
  
• As such, it can be classified as a moisturiser, as well as an emulsifier.
  
  
• This non-ionic emulsifier is listed as 100% natural origin. It is PEG Free, not ethoxylated and readily biodegradable.

Other

• Use 3% to 5% as the sole emulsifier, but can be used at higher percentages with excellent results. It is more stable if 0.2% Xanthan Gum is added as a stabiliser to the emulsion.
  
  
• Use 0.5% to 2% when used as a co-emulsifier.
  
  
• Oil and water dispersible. It is heat stable, so can be used in Stage 1 (fat stage) and Stage 2 (water stage) when making creams and lotions. It melts at approximately 70°C.

• It needs to be heated in either stage to 75°C or above to melt and disperse in the oils or water. Add the Stage 1 (fat stage) to the Stage 2 (water stage) and stir with a silicon spatula to ensure it is evenly dispersed. Stick blend for 30 seconds, keeping the blender at the bottom of the container. Let it stand for 1 minute, and then stick blend again for a further 30 seconds.
  
  
• Once the emulsion has formed, it can be cooled in a cold water bath as the liquid crystal structure forms. Stir continuously while cooling. You may find it thickens up a little more in the following 24 hours after it has been put into the containers.
  
  
• It works well in a wide pH range of 3 to 12 and is compatible with electrolytes like AHA and DHA.

Suggested Blends

• It works well with Cosmetic Prebiotic for use in acne prone products and other active ingredients for anti-ageing products. The protective, cushioned feel it gives is especially useful.

INCI / Ingredients

INCI / Ingredients

INCI Name: Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate

Origin: 100% Plant-derived (Olives and RSPO-certified palm oil).

Appearance: White to ivory waxy flakes

Solubility: Dispersible in both oil and water; heat required. It has a melting point of approximately 70°C, which is important for ensuring proper emulsification during formulation.

Storage & Shelf life

Storage & Shelf Life

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the container is tightly sealed after each use to preserve freshness.

Shelf Life: Refer to the packaging for specific shelf life information, ensuring optimal freshness and performance when stored correctly in its original, sealed packaging.

Why buy from Aromantic

Why Buy from Aromantic?

At Aromantic, we source high-quality, sustainably produced cosmetic ingredients to support your formulation goals. By choosing Olivem® 1000, you can discover the benefits of a multifunctional emulsifier that is compatible with a wide range of formulations. Our Olivem® 1000 is:

Backed by expert advice and detailed usage guidelines

Available in different pack sizes to suit DIY creators and businesses alike

Shipped from the UK with eco-conscious packaging options and available for worldwide delivery

Part of our wide range of natural and COSMOS-approved ingredients

When you buy from Aromantic, you’re choosing a trusted supplier with over 28 years of experience helping customers create effective, ethical, and skin-friendly cosmetics. Sign up for our newsletter to receive more details about our products and formulation tips.

FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Olivem® 1000 with other emulsifiers?

Yes! While it functions well on its own, it can also be used as a co-emulsifier with other emulsifying agents to enhance texture, stability, or performance. The recommended use level for Olivem® 1000 is typically between 1.5% to 5% when used as a sole emulsifier.

Is Olivem® 1000 suitable for sensitive skin?

Olivem® 1000 is made from naturally derived ingredients and is PEG-free, which makes it a great choice for gentle, skin-friendly formulations. However, we always recommend patch testing your final product.

Do I need to adjust the pH of my formulation when using Olivem® 1000?

Olivem® 1000 is stable across a wide pH range (3–12), so you can formulate confidently with ingredients like AHAs or DHA without compromising emulsion stability.

Does Olivem® 1000 need a stabiliser?

For added stability, especially in lighter emulsions, we recommend using 0.2% Xanthan Gum. Olivem® 1000 is validated by COSMOS, ensuring it meets high standards for natural cosmetic formulations.

Recipes & Blends

Click on the links below to be directed to recipes featuring Olivem® 1000.

Baby Soft Skin Cream Nourishing & Balancing Hair Masque Technical Documents

Here is a link to all non-batch-specific documents for this product: Link to Technical Documents.

If you have any questions about the documents or need the Certificate of Analysis (COA) for a product that you have received, please request that here.

Pairs well with

Related Products / Pair with

Xanthan Gum – For improved stability and silky texture

Cosmetic Prebiotic – Support skin microbiota in your formulation

EcoSilk MB – Add lightness and silky slip to your creams and lotions.

Rice Bran Oil – A nourishing carrier oil that complements Olivem® 1000