Meadowfoam Estolide
What Meadowfoam Estolide is & what it does
Meadowfoam Estolide is an emollient ester derived from meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed oil, where the long-chain fatty acids are linked into branched estolide structures. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it acts as a lightweight, spreadable conditioning agent that softens skin and improves the feel of the product. A notable property is its high oxidative stability, owing to the unusual long-chain unsaturated fatty acids of meadowfoam.
What does Meadowfoam Estolide do in skincare?
Meadowfoam Estolide works as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, softening the skin and giving products a smooth, spreadable feel. It is derived from meadowfoam seed oil and is valued for its oxidative stability. In sunscreens it helps improve the texture and wear of the formula.
Is Meadowfoam Estolide comedogenic?
Meadowfoam-derived emollients are generally regarded as low on the comedogenic scale, though individual responses vary. As with any oil-derived emollient, very acne-prone skin may prefer to patch test first. Comedogenicity also depends on the overall formula and how much is used.
Is Meadowfoam Estolide natural or synthetic?
Meadowfoam Estolide is plant-derived, made from meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) seed oil, but it is chemically processed to form its estolide ester structure. So it is best described as naturally derived rather than used in its raw natural state. The starting material is a renewable botanical oil.
Sunscreens with Meadowfoam Estolide
We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
70/100
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Spf 40
70/100
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Kylie Skin Face Sunscreen Spf 40
70/100
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
70/100
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Cosmed Atopia Intensive Balm SPF 20
63/100