Cetyl Palmitate

Functions
Emollient
Thickener
Emulsifier
Protective
Liposome forming agent
Delivery vehicle
CAS Number(s)
540-10-3
EINECS number(s)
208-736-6
FDA UNII
5ZA2S6B08X
INCI name
Cetyl Palmitate
Identifier
CIG-2243

Cetyl Palmitate is a cetyl ester of palmitic acid that has similar properties to whale wax. It is a solid with a melting temperature range of 46-53ºC. Palmitic acid (hexadecanoic acid) constitutes between 20 and 30 percent of most animal fats and is an essential constituent of most vegetable fats (35 - 45 percent of palm oil).

Thanks to solvent-free production methods, many palmitate esters are used in a broad spectrum of cosmetics and personal care products. Cetyl Palmitate is an emollient that lubricates and conditions the skin's surface, helping it appear softer and smoother.

Cetyl Palmitate can be used as a surfactant in shampoos. It is also helpful as an emulsifier or thickening agent in cosmetic formulations, including lotions, moisturizers, and creams. It is also used to form solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLN) or nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) as delivery vehicles for cosmetic actives.

Cetyl palmitate is an emollient or texturizing agent used in decorative cosmetics (foundations, lipsticks, eyeliner, concealers, etc.). Like palmitic acid, it absorbs infrared light from sunlight and is used as a protective ingredient in sunscreens, moisturizers, and anti-aging treatments. It is a safe, well-studied, and eco-friendly ingredient for personal care applications derived from renewable and sustainable sources.
Changed

References

  1. Enzymatic kinetics of cetyl palmitate synthesis in a solvent-free system
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    DOI:
    10.1016/j.bej.2018.05.021
  2. Cetyl palmitate-based NLC for topical delivery of Coenzyme Q(10) - development, physicochemical characterization and in vitro release studies
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    PMID:
    17346953
    DOI:
    10.1016/j.ejpb.2007.01.015
  3. Preparation of cetyl palmitate-based PEGylated solid lipid nanoparticles by microfluidic technique
    Author(s):
    , , , , , , ,
    PMID:
    33326887
    DOI:
    10.1016/j.actbio.2020.12.024
  4. Engineered lipid nanoparticles loaded with LL-37 peptide as inhalable drug delivery carriers for the treatment of bacterial infections
    Author(s):
    , , ,
    PMID:
    40466415
    DOI:
    10.1016/j.bioadv.2025.214363
  5. Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmetics
    Author(s):
    , , , , , , , , , , ,
    DOI:
    10.1177/1091581815594027