murphyStearyl 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
OriginDerived from palm oil and stearic acid, both obtained from plant and animal sources through extraction and saponification processes. Synthesized through esterification, combining stearyl alcohol with palmitic acid under controlled temperature and catalytic conditions.
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
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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
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.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 564)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.02–0.6%
Rinse-offNot reported
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · 2012 survey
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR