Phytosteryl-Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate

• Phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate, like many chemical names, is a compound word that reflects the chemicals that make up a substance. Phytosteryls are compounds derived from plant sterols, complex organic chemicals related to both steroids and cholesterol. When combined with octyldodecanol, a form of alcohol, they form a new compound called phytosteryl-octyldodecyl. This new compound is combined with lauroyl glutamate, an amino acid, the chemicals used as building blocks to form proteins. In brief, this formidably-named chemical consists of a plant extract, alcohol and protein.
  
  

About Emollients

• Phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate is used in a wide range of cosmetics because of its role as an emollient. Emollients are substances that soften and moisten the skin. The cosmetic substances that use them include moisture and moisturizers in different forms, which soak into the skin and help replenish its resilience. Emollients such as phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate leave behind a very fine layer of oil, which acts as a moisture barrier and prevents the newly-applied moisturizers from evaporating.
  
  

Products Containing Phytosteryl-Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate

• Phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate is used in a wide range of cosmetics -- sometimes to counter any drying effect from other ingredients, and sometimes simply because moisturizing is a desirable component of the cosmetic. It is used in some brands of lipstick to soften the lips, and can also be found in lip gloss, lip sunscreen sticks, blush, concealer, foundation and facial cleansers.
  
  

Safety

• Although there are safety concerns about many compounds used in cosmetics and other household products, there is little concern about phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate. Neither the compound itself nor its ingredients are subjects of concern on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep website of cosmetics ingredients. The Good Guide, an independent database of chemical additives and their effects, states flatly that phytosteryl-octyldodecyl lauroyl glutamate "raises no health concerns."