Palmitic acid in skincare
A saturated fatty acid found in many natural fats.
What is palmitic acid?
A saturated fatty acid found in many natural fats. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Palmitic Acid. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does palmitic acid do for skin and the product?
Used for texture and softening, and part of various fat bases.
Emollients make the surface more supple and affect how the product spreads. Lipids do not themselves add water, but some can also help retain moisture.
Two fats sharing palmitic acid does not make their overall composition identical.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about palmitic acid
What does palmitic acid do in skincare?
Used for texture and softening, and part of various fat bases.
What should I know about palmitic acid?
Two fats sharing palmitic acid does not make their overall composition identical.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations