Cetearyl olivate is an emulsifying agent derived from the esterification of cetearyl alcohol (a mixture of cetyl and stearyl alcohols) with the fatty acids of olive oil. It is commonly used in cosmetics, personal care, and some processed food products to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions. While primarily used for topical applications, its food-grade variant is generally regarded as safe (GRAS) by the FDA when used in regulated amounts.
