Iso Propyl Palmitate (standard technical name: Isopropyl Palmitate) is a lightweight cosmetic ester widely used as an emollient, spreading agent, skin-conditioning ingredient and formulation aid.
It provides a smooth, soft and elegant sensory profile while helping improve the spreadability and application of cosmetic formulations. Its versatility makes it suitable for a broad range of skin care, hair care, body care, color cosmetics, sun care and personal care products.
Isopropyl Palmitate is particularly useful when formulators want to develop an oil phase with good slip and a pleasant, lightweight-to-medium emollient feel.
INCI Name
Isopropyl Palmitate
Common Names
- Iso Propyl Palmitate
- Isopropyl Palmitate
- IPP
- Isopropyl Hexadecanoate
- Palmitic Acid Isopropyl Ester
- Isopropyl Palmitate Ester
- Cosmetic IPP
- IPP Emollient
Chemical Information
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Isopropyl Palmitate |
| INCI Name | Isopropyl Palmitate |
| CAS Number | 142-91-6 |
| Molecular Formula | C19H38O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 298.51 g/mol |
| Chemical Type | Fatty Acid Ester |
| Ester | Isopropyl Ester of Palmitic Acid |
| Physical Form | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odour | Mild / characteristic |
| Water Solubility | Practically insoluble |
| Oil Compatibility | Compatible with many cosmetic oils and lipophilic ingredients |
| Functional Class | Emollient / Spreading Agent |
Ingredient / Functional Type
- Emollient
- Spreading agent
- Skin-conditioning ingredient
- Sensory modifier
- Cosmetic ester
- Oil-phase formulation aid
- Texture modifier
- Carrier for selected oil-soluble ingredients
Key Functions & Benefits
1. Lightweight Emollience
Helps provide a soft and smooth skin feel without relying solely on heavier oils or butters.
2. Excellent Spreadability
Improves the glide and spreading characteristics of creams, lotions, oils and other cosmetic formulations.
3. Smooth & Silky Sensory Profile
Contributes to an elegant, silky and comfortable after-feel, making it suitable for sensory-focused cosmetic products.
4. Skin Conditioning
Helps leave the skin feeling soft, conditioned and comfortable after application.
5. Formulation Versatility
Can be incorporated into numerous oil-phase systems, including emulsions, anhydrous products and selected color cosmetics.
6. Texture Enhancement
Can help modify the texture and application characteristics of finished formulations when combined with other suitable emollients.
Cosmetic Applications
Skin Care
Suitable for:
- Face creams
- Moisturizers
- Facial lotions
- Body lotions
- Body creams
- Skin-conditioning creams
- Facial oils
- Body oils
- Massage oils
- Hand creams
- Foot creams
- After-sun products
- Body butters
- Oil-based serums
Sun Care
Useful in suitable:
- Sunscreens
- Sun creams
- Sun lotions
- SPF formulations
- After-sun products
- Sun-care emulsions
Color Cosmetics
Can be used in:
- Foundations
- BB creams
- CC creams
- Concealers
- Makeup bases
- Cream blushes
- Cream makeup
- Color cosmetic formulations
Hair Care
Suitable for selected:
- Hair serums
- Hair oils
- Hair creams
- Leave-in conditioners
- Smoothing products
- Anti-frizz formulations
- Hair styling products
- Scalp-care oil formulations
Personal Care
Can also be used in:
- Deodorants
- Body care products
- Shaving products
- Massage formulations
- Fragrance-related formulations
- Personal-care creams and lotions
Recommended Usage
A general cosmetic formulation starting range is approximately:
1–20%
The actual usage level depends on the product type, desired sensory properties, oil-phase composition and the specifications of the selected grade.
For some formulations, lower concentrations may provide sufficient emollience and spreadability, while higher concentrations can be used where a stronger ester contribution is desired.
Always validate the final concentration through formulation testing and follow the supplier’s TDS for the specific grade.
How to Use
Isopropyl Palmitate is generally incorporated into the oil phase of cosmetic formulations.
Typical Formulation Procedure
- Weigh the required quantity of Isopropyl Palmitate.
- Add it to the oil phase.
- Mix with compatible oils, esters, emollients and oil-soluble ingredients.
- Heat only when required by the formulation process.
- Combine with the aqueous phase when manufacturing an emulsion.
- Homogenize or mix until uniform.
- Continue with the normal cooling and finishing process.
For anhydrous products, it can be incorporated directly into the oil phase according to the formulation process.
Formulation Compatibility
Isopropyl Palmitate can be used with many cosmetic raw materials, including:
- Vegetable oils
- Cosmetic esters
- Fatty esters
- Hydrocarbon emollients
- Silicones
- Waxes
- Fatty alcohols
- Oil-soluble vitamins
- Fragrance ingredients
- Emulsifiers
- Cosmetic butters
- Oil-soluble active ingredients
Final compatibility should always be assessed in the complete formulation.
Suitable Product Types
| Product Type | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Face Creams | ✓ |
| Moisturizers | ✓ |
| Body Lotions | ✓ |
| Body Creams | ✓ |
| Facial Oils | ✓ |
| Body Oils | ✓ |
| Massage Oils | ✓ |
| Sunscreen Formulations | ✓ |
| After-Sun Products | ✓ |
| Foundations | ✓ |
| BB/CC Creams | ✓ |
| Concealers | ✓ |
| Cream Makeup | ✓ |
| Hair Serums | ✓ |
| Hair Oils | ✓ |
| Hair Creams | ✓ |
| Leave-In Products | ✓ |
| Deodorants | ✓ |
| Personal Care Products | ✓ |
Product Information
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Iso Propyl Palmitate |
| Standard Technical Name | Isopropyl Palmitate |
| INCI | Isopropyl Palmitate |
| Abbreviation | IPP |
| CAS Number | 142-91-6 |
| Formula | C19H38O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 298.51 g/mol |
| Chemical Class | Fatty Acid Ester |
| Appearance | Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Water Solubility | Practically insoluble |
| Main Function | Emollient / Spreading Agent |
| Application | Skin Care, Hair Care, Makeup & Personal Care |
Storage
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
- Keep the container tightly closed when not in use.
- Protect from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Prevent contamination with water, dust or foreign materials.
- Store in a suitable compatible container.
- Follow the storage conditions specified by the supplier.
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