Very Disliked

Palmitic Acid

Explained

Palmitic Acid is a fatty acid naturally found in our skin and in many plant and animal sources. In cosmetics, it is usually derived from palm oil. It serves many purposes in skincare, acting as a cleanser, emollient, and emulsifier.

As an emollient, palmitic acid helps soften and smooth the skin by preventing water loss. In cleansers, it helps remove oil and dirt while creating foam.

Its emulsifying properties help stabilize products by keeping water and oil-based ingredients from separating.

This may not be suitable for fungal acne-prone skin, as fatty acids like this can sometimes trigger breakouts in sensitive individuals.

See all 3,484 products with Palmitic Acid

Comedogenic Rating
2
Irritancy Rating
0
Users who like it
5%
Users who avoid it
95%

What it does

Emollient Having the quality of softening or soothing the skin.
Emulsifying The act of emulsion: a suspension of small globules of one liquid in a second liquid with which the first will not mix

Prevalence

Uncommon Percentage of products that contain it
3.7%
Top categories
Moisturizers
Cleansers
Makeup
Position Predominant list placement
Top 50%

References

CosIng Data

CosIng ID 78421
INCI Name PALMITIC ACID
EC #  200-312-9
All Functions Emollient, Emulsifying