Dextrin Palmitate

What is Dextrin Palmitate?

Dextrin Palmitate forms through esterification of dextrin, a low-molecular-weight carbohydrate from hydrolyzed starches such as corn or potato, with palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid sourced from vegetable oils or animal fats. This creates a versatile, partially hydrophobic ingredient commonly used in decorative cosmetics like face powders and eyeshadows, cleansing products, and emulsion-based formulas such as lotions. In powders, it absorbs excess moisture to enhance flowability and prevent aggregation. As a surfactant, it reduces surface tension to facilitate gentle foaming and rinsing in washes. Its emulsifying action builds a protective film at oil-water interfaces, promoting phase stability and uniform texture in creams, ensuring products remain consistent over time without separation.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Anticaking agent
Prevents powders from clumping by reducing moisture pickup and improving flow, keeping loose and pressed powders uniform during storage and use.
Surfactant
Lowers surface tension to enable cleansing, emulsifying, and foaming; central to shampoos, body washes, and many emulsions and micellar systems.
Emulsifying agent
Enables stable mixing of oil and water phases by forming an interfacial film, helping create lotions, creams, and cleansers with consistent texture.

Benefits

Maintains smooth, free-flowing texture in powder cosmetics by absorbing moisture.

Stabilizes oil-in-water mixtures in lotions and creams for even consistency.

Enables mild surfactant action in cleansers for effective yet gentle washing.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People using face powders or makeup for clump-free application.
Those with known allergies to starches or dextrin.
Individuals preferring stable emulsion products like moisturizers.
People sensitive to palmitic acid derivatives.
Users of cleansers seeking non-drying formulas.
Individuals with specific contact allergies to modified carbohydrates.

Safety Notes

  • Considered low hazard with minimal health concerns from safety assessments.
  • Non-comedogenic, reducing pore-clogging risk in formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dextrin Palmitate

What is Dextrin Palmitate made from?

It derives from dextrin, a starch breakdown product, esterified with palmitic acid.

Is it safe for daily use?

Safety reviews indicate low risk for typical cosmetic concentrations.

In which products is it found?

Common in powders for flow, cleansers for foaming, and creams for stability.