Snapshot
- Overview
- A silky emollient that can be pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.
- Category
- Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
- Type
- Emollient
Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Ethylhexyl palmitate is a lightweight, fast-spreading emollient ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It's used for slip, a soft-touch finish, and pigment dispersion in skincare and makeup, and is common in cleansing oils.
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By the numbers
Ethylhexyl Palmitate in our database
Calculated from the 1,109 products we track · updated November 2026.
69
products contain it
About 1 in 16 of the 1,109 products we track.
Top 5
spot on the label
In the first five ingredients in 65% of products. Labels list ingredients from most to least, so it's usually a main ingredient.
$4–$100
price range
It shows up at every price point. You don't need to pay more to get it.
Most common in
Often paired with
Our take
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate a Good Ingredient?
A dependable lightweight emollient that boosts slip and pigment dispersion, earning a Good rating for sensory performance and stability. Suitability can vary for acne‑prone skin, which tempers the rating despite good overall tolerability.
What it does
Skin Benefits
Makes skin feel velvety and helps color cosmetics blend more uniformly. If you’re breakout‑prone, consider cautious use as it can be pore‑clogging for some.
Where you'll find it
Uses in Skincare & Cosmetics
Included in oil cleansers, lightweight lotions, primers, and stick makeup to increase glide and help distribute oils and pigments.
Before you use it
Safety
Generally well tolerated with low irritation potential, but it has a higher comedogenic risk and may clog pores for some, particularly those prone to breakouts. Patch testing is advisable for acne‑prone or congested skin types.
Products with Ethylhexyl Palmitate
