Cetyl Palmitate
Cetyl palmitate
- Role
- An ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid that softens the skin.
- Catalog formulas
- 4
- Type
- Texture
- Verified
- 09.11.2026
What does this ingredient do in an antiperspirant?
Hexadecyl hexadecanoate, the ester of cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. INCI functions: skin conditioning agent and emollient, fragrance ingredient.
Part of a system, not a label in isolation
In sticks and creams it is part of the emollient base and affects how the product feels on application. It does not reduce sweating.
In 2013 the CIR included Cetyl Palmitate in its amended assessment of alkyl esters and concluded that the group is safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-irritating.
The CIR condition "formulated to be non-irritating" applies to the whole alkyl ester group; an individual reaction to the finished product is possible.
Not the same as Cetyl Alcohol: it is not a fatty alcohol but its ester with palmitic acid. Nor is it Cetyl Esters, which is a separate ingredient in the same CIR group.
Products containing Cetyl Palmitate
Links are based on the complete published INCI list for the exact product version.
Sources
The conclusions apply to the stated conditions and jurisdictions, not automatically to every concentration or product.
- EU CosIng: Cetyl Palmitate Supports: INCI functions
- COSMILE Europe (Cosmetics Europe): Cetyl Palmitate Supports: substance identity
- CIR: Amended Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters (2013) Supports: ingredient group, safety conclusion