Palmitate

Palmitate is the name for esters of palmitic acid used as waxy, oil-soluble ingredients in personal care and cosmetics. They add emolliency, improve texture and spreadability, and leave skin feeling supple and conditioned.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
Waxy esters that soften skin and help creams spread smoothly.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Softens rough areas and helps skin feel cushioned and supple by reducing transepidermal water loss. Adds to a smooth finish that can make skin feel more comfortable.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in creams, lotions, and balms for a rich feel, and in lipsticks or makeup primers to improve glide and payoff.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Typically considered safe with low irritation risk. Some palmitate esters may promote breakouts or congestion in acne-prone users; use sparingly in leave-ons if you're clog-prone.

Is Palmitate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair: it works mainly as an emollient and texture agent with limited evidence of skin benefit beyond moisturization, and certain palmitate esters, such as isopropyl palmitate, can be comedogenic or feel heavy for acne-prone skin, which keeps it below Good.

Products with Palmitate

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