Oleyl Alcohol

Oleyl alcohol or octadecenol or cis-9-octadecen-1-ol, is an unsaturated fatty alcohol with the molecular formula C18H36O or the condensed structural formula CH3(CH2)7-CH=CH-(CH2)8OH. It can be produced by the hydrogenation of oleic acid esters, which can be obtained naturally from fat, fish oil and in particular olive oil (from which it gains its name).

It has use as nonionic surfactant, emulsifier, emollient and thickener in skin creams, lotions and many other cosmetic products including shampoos and hair conditioners. It has also been investigated as a carrier for delivering medications through the skin of mucus membranes; particularly in lungs.