Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an ester-based cosmetic ingredient widely used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent in skincare, haircare, body-care and colour-cosmetic formulations. It is valued for its lubricating properties, smooth application, spreading characteristics and ability to improve the sensory profile of finished cosmetic products.
Chemically, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an ester formed from 2-ethylhexanol and palmitic acid. It belongs to the fatty-acid ester family and is commonly incorporated into oil-containing formulations to provide emolliency and a smooth, conditioned skin feel.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate may be used in facial creams, body lotions, makeup removers, foundations, lip products, body-care products and other personal-care formulations. Its performance depends on the grade, concentration and combination of ingredients used in the finished formulation.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Palmitate. Its commonly referenced CAS number is 29806-73-3, and its molecular formula is C₂₄H₄₈O₂.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate, also known as 2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate, is a fatty-acid ester produced by combining palmitic acid with 2-ethylhexanol.
It is commonly supplied as a clear, colourless oily liquid. Its lipophilic nature makes it suitable for cosmetic oil phases and anhydrous formulations. It is generally insoluble in water and can be combined with other compatible emollients, cosmetic oils and formulation ingredients.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is used to improve the spreading and lubricating characteristics of cosmetic products. It can contribute to a smooth application experience and help adjust the richness and after-feel of creams, lotions and makeup products.
It should not be confused with Ethylhexyl Isopalmitate, Ethylhexyl Isostearate, Isopropyl Palmitate or Ethylhexyl Myristate. These are different cosmetic ingredients with distinct chemical identities and technical properties.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ethylhexyl Palmitate |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Palmitate |
| Chemical Name | 2-Ethylhexyl hexadecanoate |
| Common Synonym | 2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate |
| Other Name | Octyl Palmitate, used as a synonym in some references |
| Chemical Family | Fatty-acid esters |
| CAS Number | 29806-73-3 |
| EC Number | 249-862-1 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₄₈O₂ |
| Molecular Weight | Approximately 368.64 g/mol |
| Chemical Type | Ester of palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol |
| Physical State | Liquid at typical room temperature |
| Appearance | Typically clear, colourless oily liquid |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Oil Compatibility | Compatible with many suitable lipophilic formulation ingredients |
| Primary Cosmetic Function | Emollient / Skin Conditioning |
| Additional Applications | Solvent, carrying agent and pigment-wetting agent in selected formulations |
| Product Category | Cosmetic Ingredient |
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is primarily used as an emollient. It helps improve the softness, lubrication and sensory characteristics of cosmetic formulations.
The ingredient supports skin-conditioning formulations by contributing a smooth feel and improving the application properties of creams, lotions and other cosmetic products.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can help cosmetic products spread more easily across the skin. This property is useful in products requiring even distribution, such as facial moisturizers, foundations and body lotions.
The ingredient can help formulators adjust the sensory characteristics of the oil phase. Depending on the surrounding ingredients and concentration, it may contribute to a smoother and more lubricating application experience.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can serve as a lipophilic solvent or carrying agent for selected formulation components. Suitability depends on the solubility requirements of the material being incorporated.
In suitable colour-cosmetic systems, Ethylhexyl Palmitate may support pigment wetting and distribution. The final dispersion quality should be verified through formulation testing.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate may be considered for:
The final application should be selected according to the desired sensory profile, ingredient compatibility and performance requirements of the finished product.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is generally incorporated into the oil phase of emulsions or used in suitable anhydrous formulations. Follow the processing guidance for the specific commercial grade.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is insoluble in water. Water-containing products require an appropriate emulsifier system to distribute and maintain the oil phase.
The amount used can influence spreading, lubrication and the perceived richness of the finished product. Evaluate the ingredient alongside other emollients, oils, waxes and structuring agents.
Assess compatibility with emulsifiers, pigments, fragrances, preservatives, waxes, polymers and other formulation materials. Conduct testing using the actual formulation rather than relying solely on individual ingredient properties.
When used in foundations or other makeup products, evaluate pigment wetting, dispersion uniformity, texture and stability. The appropriate processing conditions depend on the complete formulation.
Evaluate the finished product for changes in appearance, odour, viscosity, phase separation and other relevant physical properties under appropriate storage conditions.
Assess the suitability of the finished formulation according to its concentration, application area and intended users. Avoid assuming that an ingredient is suitable for every skin type or every product format without appropriate evaluation.
Relevant quality parameters may include identity, appearance, odour, acid value, ester-related parameters, density and refractive index. Exact acceptance limits should be established using the current COA and TDS for the supplied grade.
Store in a suitable, tightly closed container under the supplier's recommended conditions. Protect the material from contamination and unsuitable storage conditions.
| Parameter | Ethylhexyl Palmitate | Isopropyl Palmitate | Ethylhexyl Isostearate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent Fatty Acid | Palmitic acid | Palmitic acid | Isostearic acid |
| Alcohol Component | 2-Ethylhexanol | Isopropyl alcohol | 2-Ethylhexanol |
| INCI Name | Ethylhexyl Palmitate | Isopropyl Palmitate | Ethylhexyl Isostearate |
| CAS Number | 29806-73-3 | 142-91-6 | 81897-25-8 |
| Molecular Formula | C₂₄H₄₈O₂ | C₁₉H₃₈O₂ | Grade-specific identity should be verified |
| Main Cosmetic Role | Emollient / Skin Conditioning | Emollient / Skin Conditioning | Emollient |
| Selection Criteria | Sensory properties, compatibility and grade | Sensory properties, compatibility and grade | Sensory properties, compatibility and grade |
These esters are chemically distinct. The most suitable option depends on the required sensory characteristics, formulation compatibility and commercial-grade specifications.
Swapnroop supports cosmetic ingredient procurement requirements for manufacturers and formulation businesses working across skincare, body care, haircare and colour cosmetics.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate can be considered where a fatty-acid ester is required for emollient, skin-conditioning, spreading or selected solvent applications. Buyers should confirm the commercial grade, CAS identity, specification limits, packaging and batch documentation before use.
For manufacturing applications, evaluate the ingredient in the complete formulation and verify finished-product compatibility, stability and sensory performance.
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is a fatty-acid ester formed from palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is used in cosmetic formulations primarily as an emollient and skin-conditioning ingredient.
The INCI name is Ethylhexyl Palmitate.
The commonly referenced CAS number is 29806-73-3.
Its molecular formula is C₂₄H₄₈O₂, and its molecular weight is approximately 368.64 g/mol.
It is used in creams, lotions, foundations, makeup-removal products, lip products and other cosmetic formulations to support emolliency, skin conditioning and spreadability.
No. Ethylhexyl Palmitate is insoluble in water and is generally used in oil phases or suitable anhydrous formulations.
No. Ethylhexyl Palmitate is derived from 2-ethylhexanol and palmitic acid, whereas Isopropyl Palmitate is derived from isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Their molecular formulas and properties differ.
Yes. It can be considered for creams and lotions when the oil phase and emulsifier system are designed to accommodate it. Finished-product stability should be evaluated.
It may be evaluated in foundations, lip products and other colour cosmetics where emolliency, spreadability or pigment-wetting properties are required.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Colourless to light-yellow liquid or oily liquid |