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Palmitic Acid

Well toleratedEmollientemollientemulsion stabilisersurfactant

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Hexadecanoic acid

What it is

Palmitic acid is a 16-carbon saturated fatty acid, one of the most abundant fatty acids in nature and a normal component of human sebum and the skin barrier. In cosmetics it acts as a softening agent, an emulsion stabiliser and, in soap systems, part of the cleansing base.

What it does well

  • Softens skin and helps hold emulsions together

    It is a routine, well-tolerated structural fatty acid used throughout cosmetic formulation.

    Strong evidence

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

No EU restriction on use or concentration in cosmetics.

Masks that contain Palmitic Acid