Cetyl Palmitate is a cosmetic ingredient widely used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent in skincare and personal care products. In its raw form, this compound appears as a white, waxy solid. Cetyl Palmitate enhances the texture of creams and lotions, imparting a smooth and silky feel to the skin while also helping to stabilize formulations. Its emollient properties contribute to skin hydration by forming a protective barrier that reduces moisture loss. Additionally, it improves the spreadability of products, ensuring even application. The chemical formula of Cetyl Palmitate is C32H64O2.
CAS Number: 540-10-3Chem/IUPAC Name: Hexadecyl hexadecanoateEINECS/ELINCS No: 208-736-6COSING REF No: 74965Products with CETYL PALMITATE
With samples available
Matrixyl® Neolide™
by Croda
- Sustainable option
Olivem® VS FEEL
by Hallstar
- Sustainable option
What is CETYL PALMITATE used for?
Due to its various nourishing properties, Cetyl Palmitate is widely used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products. Not only does it provide moisturizing benefits, it also improves the texture of the formulations.
- Skin care: It functions as an emollient, softening and smoothing the skin's surface while providing hydration. It forms a protective barrier, preventing moisture loss and enhancing skin texture
- Cosmetic products: It serves as an emulsifier and thickening agent in cosmetics, ensuring stable formulations with smooth textures and improved spreadability
- Hair care: In hair care, Cetyl Palmitate helps condition and soften hair, providing a smooth and manageable texture while reducing frizz and flyaways. It also enhances the spreadability of hair products for even application
Origin
Cetyl Palmitate is synthesized from cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid through a process called esterification. Cetyl alcohol, derived from coconut or palm oil, reacts with palmitic acid, a fatty acid commonly found in palm oil and animal fats, under controlled conditions to form Cetyl Palmitate.
What does CETYL PALMITATE do in a formulation?
EMOLLIENT|
EMULSIFYING|
MASKING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
Cetyl Palmitate is safe for skin and hair when used in lower concentrations of about 2.5%. It is well tolerated by most skin types and has close to zero side effects. Some individuals may experience mild irritation and allergic reactions. Therefore, patch test is recommended. Further, prolonged exposure or high concentrations of Cetyl Palmitate may exacerbate skin conditions like acne or dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Following product guidelines is necessary.
CETYL PALMITATE alternatives
CETYL PALMITATE technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 360°C |
| Melting Point | 55-56°C |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
