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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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A silky emollient that can be pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Tone/Texture
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

High

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.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Included in oil cleansers, lightweight lotions, primers, and stick makeup to increase glide and help distribute oils and pigments.

Comedogenic Rating

Ethylhexyl Palmitate has a comedogenic rating of 4. It has a higher likelihood of clogging pores and may not be suitable for acne-prone skin.

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.

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.

Products with Ethylhexyl Palmitate

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