Emollient

Cetyl Palmitate

Cetyl Palmitate — a waxy ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid, which forms a natural component of the skin's sebaceous secretion (sebum). It is used as an emollient, texture enhancer, and structuring agent in creams and balms, providing them with a velvety yet non-greasy texture.

emollientstructuring agentwaxy texturesebum-like

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Cetyl Palmitate (INCI: Cetyl Palmitate) — a waxy ester with a melting point of 45-55°C. Molecular structure: a long-chain C16 alcohol esterified with a long-chain C16 acid → a symmetrical waxy molecule with a high melting point. Function: co-emulsifier, texture enhancer (consistency factor), structuring agent for creams and balms. It forms a thin occlusive film on the skin's surface, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) without a heavy "greasy" feel.

Creams and balms with a velvety texture, co-emulsifier in dense emulsions, structuring component for sticks and lipsticks, occlusive moisturizers.

Key Benefits

✦

Structuring the texture of creams and balms

Cetyl palmitate — a classic consistency factor in cosmetic formulas, providing creams with a dense yet velvety texture without stickiness. Mechanism: the waxy molecule with a high melting point crystallizes upon cooling the formula → forms a microstructure that holds the water and oil phases together, giving the product stability and a pleasant texture upon application. Widely used in night creams, body balms, lip sticks, and solid perfumes.

◈

Occlusive barrier effect — reduction of TEWL

Due to its natural affinity with the lipids of the skin barrier (structurally similar to components of sebum), cetyl palmitate forms a thin occlusive film on the skin's surface. Mechanism: the waxy film physically slows down moisture evaporation from the stratum corneum (reduction of TEWL — transepidermal water loss). Result: long-lasting hydration, especially effective for dry and mature skin that requires enhanced barrier protection.

✧

Stabilization of emulsions as a co-emulsifier

Cetyl palmitate is often used together with primary emulsifiers to enhance emulsion stability and prevent phase separation. Mechanism: the waxy structure interacts with the oil phase, forming an additional layer of stabilization at the oil-water interface. Particularly useful in formulas with a high oil phase content (rich creams, body butters), where additional structural support is needed.

Suitable for

dry and mature skinall skin types requiring an emollient texture

Main Actions

✓ structuring the texture of the formula✓ occlusive barrier effect✓ stabilization of emulsions

Cetyl Palmitate: comedogenicity

Cetyl palmitate has a low-moderate comedogenic rating (2 on a scale of 0-5) — generally well-tolerated, but acne-prone skin may require careful monitoring at high concentrations. INCI: Cetyl Palmitate. Typical concentration: 1-5% in creams and balms. Do not confuse with cetyl alcohol (emollient precursor) or palmitic acid (fatty acid) — this is a separate ester with its own properties.

CategoryEmollients

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cetyl Palmitate do for skin?

Creams and balms with a velvety texture, co-emulsifier in dense emulsions, structuring component for sticks and lipsticks, occlusive moisturizers.

Who should use Cetyl Palmitate?

Cetyl Palmitate is suitable for: dry and mature skin, all skin types requiring an emollient texture.

Are there any warnings about Cetyl Palmitate?

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product