Cetyl Palmitate
Cetyl Palmitate is a naturally derived ester formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid with a mild fatty odor. This compound is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations for its emollient, thickening, and texture-enhancing properties. Cetyl Palmitate imparts a smooth, creamy feel to products and contributes to improved stability and consistency in creams, lotions, balms, and ointments. Its film-forming and skin-conditioning attributes make it a preferred ingredient in personal care products as well as in specialty industrial applications.
Cetyl Palmitate
Primary Uses
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Functions as an emollient, thickener, and texture enhancer in creams, lotions, lipsticks, balms, and hair conditioners.
- Provides a smooth, velvety feel and improves the spreadability of topical products.
- Used as a stabilizer in oil-in-water emulsions to enhance consistency and shelf-life.
- Acts as a film-forming agent providing a protective barrier on the skin.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used as a base and thickening agent in ointments, creams, and salves, improving skin feel and stability.
- Serves as an emollient in topical drug formulations for improved moisturizing and soothing effects.
Secondary Uses
- Industrial Applications
- Used in polishes, wax blends, and coatings to impart gloss and improve surface texture.
- Acts as a lubricant and anti-static agent in certain plastics and textile applications.
- Food Industry
- Occasionally used in food packaging or coatings, subject to regulatory approval.
- Research & Development
- Utilized as an ingredient in experimental formulations for novel cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hexadecyl hexadecanoate
- Common/Trade Name: Cetyl Palmitate
- CAS Number: 540-10-3
- HS Code: 2915.99.90
- Molecular Formula: C32H64O2
- Molecular Weight: 480.86 g/mol
- Synonyms:
- Cetyl hexadecanoate
- Palmityl cetyl ester
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid waxy flakes or pastilles
- Color & Odor: White to pale yellow; mild fatty odor
- Melting Point: 45–50°C (113–122°F)
- Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
- Density: ~0.88 g/cm³ at 20°C
- Solubility:
- Insoluble in water
- Soluble in oils, alcohol, chloroform
- Flash Point: ~250°C (decomposition)
- Stability: Stable under normal storage conditions
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: Not established
- Toxicity: Low toxicity; generally recognized as safe in cosmetic and pharmaceutical use
- Reactivity: Stable; may decompose at high temperatures
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and ignition sources
- Container Type: Sealed plastic or metal containers
- Shelf Life: Up to 3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust and excessive heat; use PPE when handling bulk quantities
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous
- Waste Disposal: Dispose in accordance with local environmental regulations
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable
- Persistence: Biodegradable
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
- Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE: Gloves and protective eyewear recommended when handling in bulk
- Handling: Avoid dust inhalation and skin contact with molten product
- Storage: Keep containers tightly sealed and stored away from heat sources
- Hygiene: Wash hands after handling; avoid ingestion and eye contact
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air if dust inhaled; seek medical attention if breathing difficulties occur
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Flush with water for 15 minutes; consult physician if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Low toxicity; rinse mouth and seek medical advice if large amounts ingested
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible; may release smoke and toxic fumes on burning
- Extinguishing Media: Use foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂, or water spray
- Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons
Related products
Aloe Vera Oil
Aloe Vera Oil is an oil-based extract derived by infusing Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) leaves into a carrier oil such as coconut, soybean, or sunflower oil. It captures the beneficial compounds of aloe—including polysaccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and amino acids—in an oil-soluble form ideal for cosmetic, therapeutic, and personal care applications. Known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, Aloe Vera Oil is widely used in skin and hair care formulations.
This gentle, skin-friendly oil is suitable for sensitive skin and is commonly employed in after-sun products, healing ointments, massage oils, and anti-aging creams. It provides hydration, calms irritation, and promotes skin regeneration while adding emollient and conditioning benefits.
Candelilla Wax
Candelilla Wax is a natural vegetable wax derived from the leaves of the Euphorbia cerifera shrub, native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States. It appears as a hard, brittle, light yellow to brown wax with a mild, characteristic odor. This wax is valued for its high melting point, gloss-enhancing properties, and excellent binding capabilities. It is widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and industrial applications as a vegan alternative to beeswax. Its film-forming, emollient, and stabilizing attributes make it a multifunctional ingredient across several industries.
Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20)
Cetomacrogol PEG (Ginonic CSA) is a polyethylene glycol-based nonionic surfactant and emulsifier with an average molecular weight of approximately 1000 Da. It appears as a white to off-white waxy solid or flakes with a neutral odor. This high-quality grade is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations due to its excellent emulsifying, solubilizing, and moisturizing properties. Cetomacrogol PEG1000 (Ginonic CSA 20) facilitates stable oil-in-water emulsions, improves product texture and skin feel, and enhances the bioavailability of active ingredients. Its hydrophilic nature and compatibility with a wide range of ingredients make it a versatile additive in creams, lotions, ointments, and topical gels.
Dimethicone Silicon Oil
Dimethicone Silicon Oil, also known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) or silicone oil, is a clear, odorless, and non-volatile silicone-based polymer widely used for its lubricating, anti-foaming, water-repellent, and skin-conditioning properties. It is a linear silicone polymer composed of repeating dimethylsiloxane units. Dimethicone exhibits excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, and low surface tension, making it highly versatile in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, industrial, and food applications. It is available in various viscosities, from very low to high viscosity oils, enabling tailored formulations.
Fatty Acid
Fatty acids are a group of carboxylic acids consisting of long aliphatic chains, which can be either saturated or unsaturated. They are typically derived from natural fats and oils through hydrolysis or saponification and appear as colorless to pale yellow liquids or solids depending on the chain length and degree of saturation. Fatty acids are fundamental building blocks in biochemistry and industrial chemistry, serving as raw materials in the manufacture of soaps, detergents, lubricants, cosmetics, plastics, and food additives. Their amphiphilic nature—containing both hydrophilic (carboxyl group) and hydrophobic (alkyl chain) components—makes them versatile for various chemical and industrial applications.
Isopropyl Palmitate
Isopropyl Palmitate IPP is a clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid formed by the esterification of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It has a mild odor and is widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial formulations as an emollient, lubricant, and solvent. IPP is valued for its excellent skin absorption, non-greasy feel, and ability to improve texture and spreadability of topical products.
Lanolin Anhydrous
Lanolin Anhydrous is a purified, waxy substance derived from the sebaceous glands of sheep’s wool. It appears as a yellow to amber, semi-solid wax with a characteristic mild odor. Lanolin is highly valued for its excellent emollient, moisturizing, and protective properties, making it widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and personal care formulations. The anhydrous form is free from water, which enhances its stability and shelf life, and allows it to act as a natural barrier to lock moisture into the skin.
Oleic Acid
Oleic Acid is a naturally occurring monounsaturated fatty acid commonly derived from vegetable oils such as olive, sunflower, and canola oils. This oily liquid is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries due to its excellent emollient, surfactant, and stabilizing properties. Oleic Acid 75% is a key raw material in manufacturing soaps, detergents, lubricants, and personal care products. Its amphiphilic nature makes it an effective emulsifier and penetration enhancer.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders