Palmitic Acid
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Stearic Acid, isopropyl palmitate
Fatty acid found naturally in skin | The most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic acid is a fatty acid found naturally in skin, as well as in palm oil, palm kernel oil, butter, cheese, and meat. It is the most common fatty acid found in animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is used as the basis for many palmitate ingredients, such as isopropyl palmitate. Palmitic acid has many functions in cosmetics, such as a detergent cleansing agent and an emollient.
In a cleanser, it has the potential to be drying depending on which other ingredients it’s combined with and the cleanser’s pH level. In moisturizers, palmitic acid is a very good emollient while its emulsifying abilities help keep unlike ingredients from separating.
Palmitic acid has been determined safe as used in cosmetics when used in concentrations up to 13%.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Journal of Archives in Military Medicine, November 2020 []
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PLoS One, October 2018, ePublication []
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Biophysical Chemistry, August 2010, issues 1-3, pages 144-156 []
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Journal of Korean Medical Science, June 2010, pages 980-983 []
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Dermaviduals, 2003, issue 4, pages 54-56 []
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https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Palmitic-acid [https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Palmitic-acid]
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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Palm Glyceride
A plant-derived emollient that softens skin and stabilises formulations
Palmeth-2
A gentle emulsifier that helps oil and water blend smoothly in skincare formulas
Palmeth-2 Phosphate
A gentle surfactant that cleanses and stabilises formulations
PEG-10 Isostearate
A synthetic emulsifier that helps blend oil and water in skincare formulations
PEG-10 Phytosterol
Used in skin care products as a cleansing agent/emulsifier | Plays a role in enhancing the overall texture of a formula
PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol
Hybrid blend of synthetic and plant-derived ingredients | Contains fatty acid from the rapeseed plant
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