Cetyl Palmitate
INCI: Palmitic acid palmityl ester
Reviewed by Kate · Last updated 14 Aug 2026
Also known as: Palmityl palmitate, Palmitic acid palmityl ester, Palmitic acid hexadecyl ester, Palmitic acid cetyl ester, n-hexadecyl palmitate, Hexadecanoic acid hexadecyl ester, Cetin
Ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid
At a glance
EWG Safety Score
What Is Cetyl Palmitate?
Cetyl palmitate is an ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid, this thickener and emollient helps smooth and condition dry skin. The ingredients that comprise cetyl palmitate are naturally occurring fatty acids. In its raw form, it is a waxy white solid.\n\nThe independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has found that cetyl palmitate safe as used in cosmetics, where its usage is usually in concentrations of 2.7% or less.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, September 2015, pages 5S–69S International Journal of Toxicology, 2015
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Nanotechnology, March 2008, ePublication Nanotechnology, 2008
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European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, August 2007, pages 141–148 European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2007
How widely it's used
Regulatory information
Standardised cosmetic-ingredient identifiers used by regulators.
Show identifiers
- INCI Name
- CETYL PALMITATE
- EC Number
- 208-736-6
- Function
- Emollient, Masking, Skin Conditioning
From the Clinic
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Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Ester of cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid
Cetyl Alcohol
Fatty alcohol used as an emollient, emulsifier, and thickening agent Can be naturally or synthetically derived
Cetyl Esters
Synthetic wax that replaces spermaceti (wax from sperm whales)
Chlorinated Paraffin
A synthetic oil that conditions and protects skin whilst controlling product texture
Citric Acid …
A synthetic polymer that binds formula ingredients together for stable, consistent products
Citrus Limon Peel Powder
A finely milled powder derived from citrus peel, valued for its absorbent and texture-modifying properties
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