Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

ISOPROPYL PALMITATE.

Questionable CAS 142-91-6 / BINDING, FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT

Isopropyl Palmitate is a fatty acid ester that functions primarily as an emollient, moisturizing and softening the skin. It also acts as a solvent and carrier, enhancing the permeation and delivery of other active ingredients into the skin.

Summary

Emollient Skin-softening Solvent Carrier Texture Enhancer Stabilizer

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient forms a protective barrier on the skin's surface, effectively preventing moisture loss and contributing to improved skin texture. It aids in the dissolution and uniform dispersion of various cosmetic components, functioning as a solvent and carrier. Furthermore, Isopropyl Palmitate enhances formulation spreadability for a smooth, non-greasy feel and quick absorption, while also stabilizing emulsions to extend product shelf life.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 5–20%
Optimal

20%

Key findings

  1. 01 Studies indicate that concentrations between 5% and 20% (w/w) significantly increase the flux and permeation of other penetrants, with 20% demonstrating the highest effectiveness compared to 15%, 10%, or 5%.
  2. 02 A bath product containing 45.6% Isopropyl Palmitate demonstrated no signs of irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity, or photo-contact allergenicity in a modified maximization procedure involving 25 subjects.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
5%
Red flag below
10%

Isopropyl Palmitate is not commonly 'dusted' given its clear functional thresholds for both efficacy and adverse effects. While permeation enhancement begins at 5%, concentrations above this level significantly increase the risk of clogged pores. Furthermore, exceeding 10% can lead to skin irritation, particularly in individuals with compromised skin, making precise formulation critical.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 7 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Isopropyl Palmitate enhances formulation stability by preventing ingredient separation and extending shelf life. It solidifies at 15 °C; this state is reversible with warming for a limited duration without impairing quality, provided no localized overheating occurs. To prevent irreversible damage, avoid saturated steam or ambient temperatures exceeding 50 °C.

Synergies

  • Acts as a solvent and carrier, potentially enhancing the delivery and dispersion of active ingredients.

Conflicts

  • Nitrates
  • Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
  • C13-15 Alkane
  • Isostearic Acid

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
79%
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reaffirmed in 2001 that Isopropyl Palmitate is safe for use in cosmetics, citing no acute toxicity, mutagenicity, or carcinogenicity. The U.S. FDA lists it as 'Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)' for food and cosmetic applications. The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded its safety at concentrations up to 79% in leave-on products and 52.8% in rinse-off products, with no evidence of systemic toxicity.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Medium
Comedogenicity High

Our Assessment

Verdict

Questionable

While an effective emollient, solvent, and permeation enhancer, Isopropyl Palmitate carries a significant risk of comedogenicity above 5% and potential irritation above 10%, demanding highly precise formulation for appropriate skin compatibility.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…