• Improves viscosity and texture in emulsions and balms
• Supports emulsification and formula stabilization
• Provides emollient benefits and skin-softening properties
• Widely used in soaps for hardness and conditioning
• Boosts foam and cleansing in surfactant formulations

Palmitic Acid – Fatty Acid for Thickening, Emulsifying & Conditioning

Palmitic Acid is a naturally occurring saturated fatty acid derived from palm oil, commonly used in cosmetics for its thickening, stabilizing, and skin-conditioning properties. It is an essential component in creams, lotions, hair masks, soaps, and cleansing bars, where it provides structure, improves foam, and enhances product glide. In cold-process soaps, it contributes to hardness and creamy lather, while in emulsions it serves as a co-emulsifier and emollient, leaving a soft, smooth finish on the skin and hair.

INCI Name: Palmitic Acid

CAS Number: 57-10-3

Solubility: Oil-soluble

Add Phase: Oil phase (heated)

pH Stability: Stable across wide pH range

Processing Temperature: 65–80°C

Appearance: White flakes or powder

Odor: Odorless

Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₂O₂

Molecular Weight: 256.43 g/mol

Flash Point: > 200°C

Density: ~0.85 g/cm³

Chemical Type: Saturated fatty acid

Functional Groups: Carboxylic acid

Primary Cosmetic Uses: Emulsions, soaps, balms, surfactant blends

• Usage Rate: 1% – 10%
• Phase: Oil phase (heat required to melt)
• Ideal For: Lotions, Creams, Soaps, Cleansers, Hair Masks

🌿 When using in emulsions, pre-melt Palmitic Acid and blend into your oil phase for best dispersion. Combine with emulsifying wax or stearic acid for enhanced creaminess and glide.

✔️ Suitable for dry and normal skin types

✔️ Non-irritating and well-tolerated in rinse-off and leave-on products

✔️ May be too heavy for acne-prone skin in high concentrations

1. Rich Body Cream

Use 2–5% Palmitic Acid with shea butter and emulsifying wax to boost texture and glide.

2. Cold Process Soap

Incorporate up to 25% of total oils for firmness and a rich, stable lather.

3. Hair Conditioning Mask

Add 3% in the oil phase to give richness and help soften strands.

4. Lip Balm Base

Use with beeswax and cocoa butter to improve structure and consistency.

5. Cleansing Balm or Bar

Blend with surfactants or castor oil to enhance foam and cleansing efficiency.

Serums
⭐☆☆☆☆ – Poor
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Too heavy for lightweight formulations.



Creams & Lotions
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Enhances structure and emolliency.



Toners
☆☆☆☆☆ – Not Suitable
🟥⬜⬜⬜⬜ – Not used in water-based tonics.



Face Masks
⭐⭐⭐☆☆ – Moderate
🟧🟧🟧⬜⬜ – Useful in creamy or nourishing masks.



Cleansers
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds creaminess to cleansing bars and balms.



Hair Masks
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Conditions and softens hair strands.



Deodorants
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – May be used in balm-style sticks.



Eye Creams
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Add in low amounts for richer textures.



Shampoos
⭐⭐☆☆☆ – Fair
🟧🟧⬜⬜⬜ – Rare in shampoos but possible in cream shampoos.



Soaps
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Improves hardness and stable foam in cold-process soaps.



Conditioners
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Adds richness and improves detangling.



Lip Balms
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Boosts firmness and glide.



Body Butters
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 – Adds structure, smoothness, and nourishment.



Ointments
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ – Good
🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ – Emollient support in healing salves.

Q1: Is Palmitic Acid natural?

A1: Yes — it is found naturally in palm oil and animal fats.

Q2: Does it clog pores?

A2: In high amounts, it may be comedogenic for acne-prone skin. Use sparingly in facial formulas.

Q3: Is it vegan?

A3: If derived from plant sources (like Bio Shop’s version), yes — it is fully vegan.

Q4: Can I use it in cold-process soap?

A4: Absolutely — it’s a staple soap ingredient that improves bar quality.

Q5: What’s the difference between Palmitic and Stearic Acid?

A5: Stearic is longer-chain (C18 vs. C16) and produces a harder texture, while Palmitic provides more glide.