Palmitic Acid
A cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying in skincare, haircare, and personal-care products sold in the European Union.
What is it?
Hexadecanoic acid
What does it do?
Palmitic Acid is listed in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with the following declared functions:
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Skin conditioning - emollient
softens the skin by reducing roughness and friction between skin cells
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Surfactant - emulsifying
surfactant that forms and stabilises emulsions of oil and water — without it, creams and lotions would separate
EU regulatory status
Palmitic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the European Union under Regulation 1223/2009. It is not subject to a specific Annex restriction at the time of writing.
Frequently asked questions
What is Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient catalogued in the EU CosIng database. Hexadecanoic acid
Is Palmitic Acid allowed in cosmetics in the EU?
Yes. Palmitic Acid is allowed for use in cosmetic products in the EU under Regulation 1223/2009.
What does Palmitic Acid do in cosmetic products?
Palmitic Acid is declared in the EU cosmetic ingredient inventory with these functions: skin conditioning - emollient, surfactant - emulsifying.
What is the CAS number of Palmitic Acid?
The CAS (Chemical Abstracts Service) number for Palmitic Acid is 57-10-3.
Related ingredients
Source: EU CosIng database (European Commission). This page is derived from public-sector information published by the European Commission. · Last updated: 15/10/2010