Stearyl Palmitate

AKA: Octadecyl hexadecanoate, Octadecyl palmitate, 2598-99-4, Hexadecanoic acid, Octadecyl ester, Palmitic acid, CHEBI:84066, Palmitic acid octadecyl ester
Plant-Derived
Humectant
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Clean
Hexadecanoic acid, octadecyl ester
Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C34H68O2
Mol. Weight
508.90
CAS #
2598-99-4
Functions
Binding
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Light Stabilizer
Opacifying
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
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 modern synthetic ester combining stearyl alcohol and palmitic acid (a fatty acid from palm oil). Created as an emollient and skin conditioning agent in contemporary cosmetics without traditional precedent.
EWG
1
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-assessed4 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR