Ethyl Palmitate

Ethyl palmitate is the ethyl ester of palmitic acid used in personal care as an oil-soluble emollient and texture modifier. It's added for a lighter, silkier application that cuts greasiness in lotions, balms, makeup, and other leave-ons.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An emollient that gives products a light, silky finish.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

Low

Skin Benefits

Leaves a soft‑touch finish that feels silky without heaviness. Benefits are mostly sensorial; evidence for lasting skin improvements is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in lightweight moisturizers and body creams to cut down on tackiness. Also appears in sunscreens and eye creams to refine texture.

Comedogenic Rating

Ethyl Palmitate has a comedogenic rating of 2. It has a low likelihood of clogging pores but may not suit all skin types.

Safety

Typically well tolerated, but those prone to breakouts should watch for congestion when used in richer products. Mild irritation is uncommon but possible; patch testing is prudent. No specific regulatory limits noted for standard cosmetic use.

Is Ethyl Palmitate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair: it improves glide and a silky feel, but evidence for meaningful, lasting skin benefits is limited. May pose a pore‑clogging risk for acne‑prone skin and can feel heavy in some formulas.

Products with Ethyl Palmitate

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