Methyl Palmitate
What is Methyl Palmitate?
Methyl Palmitate is a fatty acid methyl ester derived from palmitic acid, commonly sourced from palm oil or other vegetable oils. In skincare, it functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and viscosity-increasing agent, helping to soften skin, stabilize formulations, and improve product texture. It is also used as a surfactant in cleansers and as a binding agent in cosmetics.
Roles in Formulation
This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:
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.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.