Octyl Palmitate

Other names: Ethyl-Hexyl Palmitate, 2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Hexadecanoic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl Ester

Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)

Octyl Palmitate is a fatty acid ester, specifically an ester of palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol alcohol. In cosmetics and pharmaceutical preparations, it is often found under the names Ethyl-Hexyl Palmitate, 2-Ethylhexyl palpitate or Hexadecanoic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl Ester. It plays an important role due to its emollient properties - it has smoothing, softening and moisturizing effects that are very useful in the care of dry and dehydrated skin.

Octyl Palmitate can be found in a wide range of cosmetic and personal care products. For example, it is used in soaps, skin and body creams, limb balms, decorative cosmetics, nourishing shampoos and conditioners, as well as in sunscreens and after-sun creams, make-up removers, lip balms and many others. Octyl Palmitate is also occasionally used in the food industry as an additive. The ester of palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol is not considered hazardous and should be safe even for sensitive skin. However, its use is not suitable for people with acne as it can cause clogging of the pores.