Cetyl Acetate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Hexadecyl acetate, Palmityl acetate, 629-70-9, 1-Hexadecanol, 1-Acetoxyhexadecane, N-Hexadecyl ethanoate, Hexadecanol acetate, Acetic acid, Hexadecyl ester, ENT 1025
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Palmityl acetate is an acetate ester derived from hexadecan-1-ol (palmityl alcohol); used as an emollient, masking agent and skin conditioner; pheromone constituent present in various species of mouse, arachnid and insect. It has a role as a pheromone, an epitope and a cosmetic. It is functionally related to a hexadecan-1-ol.
Formula
C18H36O2
Mol. Weight
284.50
CAS #
629-70-9
Form
Wax
State
Liquid; [Aldrich MSDS]
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester developed for cosmetic use. Created to provide emollient and texture-enhancing properties in skincare and haircare formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR