Depends on Source
How we decideOleic acid is vegetarian when its feedstock is plant oil, such as olive oil. Commercial oleic acid can also be separated from animal fat. Confirm the oil or fat used to make the specific ingredient.
Vegetarian and vegan status
Plant-oil oleic acid can fit both diets. Oleic acid made from slaughter-derived animal fat fits neither. Its presence in olive oil does not establish the source of every commercial oleic acid ingredient.
It depends on the source. Oleic acid occurs in both vegetable oils and animal fats, while the label name gives no feedstock information.
What it is
- Comes from
- Oleic acid occurs in vegetable oils and animal fats. Commercial fatty acid mixtures can therefore use either feedstock class.
- Animal route
- cattle, pig or other livestock when made from animal fat
- Slaughter in the animal route
- Yes, for the animal-derived route
- Where you meet it
- Skin care, soaps, cleansers, hair products, foods and pharmaceutical preparations.
- What replaces it
- Oleic acid documented as derived from olive, sunflower, canola or another plant oil.
Sources
- Safety Assessment of Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid Salts (Cosmetic Ingredient Review)
Frequently asked questions
Is Oleic Acid vegetarian?
Depends on Source. Oleic acid is vegetarian when its feedstock is plant oil, such as olive oil. Commercial oleic acid can also be separated from animal fat. Confirm the oil or fat used to make the specific ingredient.
Is Oleic Acid vegan?
Depends on Source. It depends on the source. Oleic acid occurs in both vegetable oils and animal fats, while the label name gives no feedstock information.
Does oleic acid always come from olive oil?
No. Olive oil is one rich source, while other vegetable oils and animal fats also contain oleic acid.
Are oleates automatically vegan?
No. Oleates are separate compounds made with oleic acid, and their supplier must confirm the fatty feedstock.