Cetearyl Palmate

AKA: Cetearyl Palmitic Acid Ester
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Not Clean
Cetearyl Palmate is the ester of Cetearyl Alcohol and Palm Acid
CAS #
-
Form
Wax
Functions
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester combining cetyl and stearyl alcohols with palmitic acid derived from palm oil. Used as an emollient and texture modifier in cosmetic products.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR