CarCareTruth

Oleic Acid

  • ester
  • CAS 112-80-1
  • IUPAC: (Z)-octadec-9-enoic acid

Natural monounsaturated fatty acid found in olive oil and animal fats. Low systemic hazard. Not a skin sensitizer. May cause mild eye or skin irritation at high concentrations; at 2–6% in conditioner formulas, no significant health concern.

Oleic acid is a naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid — the same compound that makes olive oil an effective skin emollient. In leather care products, it functions as a penetrating conditioning agent that softens and lubricates leather fibers, helping to restore suppleness in dry or weathered hides. At the 2–6% concentrations found in leather conditioners, oleic acid presents no meaningful health concern. It is not classified as a sensitizer, carcinogen, or reproductive toxicant. Its biodegradability and natural origin make it one of the more environmentally preferred conditioning actives compared to petroleum-derived alternatives.

Health & environment profile

VOC
no
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
yes
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
5/5
Purpose: Leather conditioning agent; emollient; penetrating carrier

1 product contain this

Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.