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Ingredient directory

Palm Kernel Alcohol

Palm Kernel Alcohol, a fatty alcohol sourced from palm kernel oil, functions dually as a skin conditioning agent and an emulsifier. It contributes to skin softness and smoothness while crucially stabilizing oil and water emulsions. With a low irritancy and comedogenicity profile, it is deemed safe and compatible across various skin types.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

Skin Conditioning Agent Emollient Emulsifying Agent Surfactant

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient operates through two principal mechanisms: as an emollient and a surfactant. As an emollient, it contributes to the skin's softness and smoothness. As a surfactant and emulsifier, it significantly reduces the interfacial tension between otherwise immiscible oil and water phases, thereby enabling the formation and sustained stability of cosmetic emulsions. Derivatives of palm kernel may also support the skin's moisture balance.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

As a key emulsifying agent, Palm Kernel Alcohol is vital for maintaining the permanent stability of oil-in-water emulsions, preventing phase separation. Its incorporation generally enhances the texture, feel, and overall integrity of cosmetic formulations, while also providing moisturizing properties.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that related palm-derived oils (Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil) and their hydrogenated forms are safe for use in cosmetic formulations. This safety assessment generally extends to Palm Kernel Alcohol due to its derivative nature. While a specific maximum concentration for Palm Kernel Alcohol was not explicitly identified, Palm Oil itself has been reported at concentrations up to 2% in cosmetic products.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Palm Kernel Alcohol is a valuable ingredient, providing both skin conditioning and essential emulsifying benefits while demonstrating a favorable safety profile across all skin types.

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References

Sources

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