Isopropyl Palmitate

Benefits
AntistaticSofteningHair Gloss
Concerns
Malassezia Feeding

What is Isopropyl Palmitate?

Isopropyl palmitate is a synthetic ester formed from palmitic acid, a saturated fatty acid derived from plant oils like palm, and isopropyl alcohol. Commonly used in skincare, hair care, makeup, and deodorants, it serves as a versatile ingredient in lotions, creams, serums, foundations, and conditioners. As an emollient, it lubricates the skin's surface, reducing friction and imparting a smooth, non-greasy feel. It acts as a solvent to dissolve lipophilic actives and oils, aiding uniform distribution. In hair products, it coats strands for shine and manageability. Its low viscosity makes it ideal for lightweight formulas, enhancing spreadability without heaviness, while binding properties help stabilize solid formats like sticks and powders.

Comedogenic Rating 4/5 Higher risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Antistatic agent
Reduces static electricity and flyaways by improving surface conductivity, enhancing hair manageability and smoothness in conditioners and styling products.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Solvent
Dissolves and carries other ingredients, helping control viscosity, evaporation rate, and delivery of actives in both water- and oil-based systems.

Benefits

Provides softening effect for smoother skin texture.

Acts as antistatic agent to reduce flyaways in hair products.

Imparts gloss and shine to hair.

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 with dry skin seeking lightweight moisture.
Oily or acne-prone skin due to pore-clogging potential.
Individuals using hair conditioners for shine and manageability.
Fungal acne sufferers as it may feed Malassezia.
Those needing non-greasy emollients in makeup.
Sensitive skin prone to comedones.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by EWG with scores of 1.
  • Deemed safe for cosmetic use by CIR with low irritation potential.

Frequently Asked Questions about Isopropyl Palmitate

Is isopropyl palmitate comedogenic?

It has a comedogenic rating of 4, making it potentially pore-clogging for acne-prone skin.

What does it do in hair products?

It reduces static, adds gloss, and improves manageability.

Is it safe for daily use?

Yes, with low EWG hazard rating and CIR safety approval.