Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Also known as: Octyl palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl palmitate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate
Overview
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is a synthetic ester derived from palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It presents as a clear, colorless, and odorless oily liquid, widely utilized in the cosmetics and personal care industry. Its primary functions include acting as an emollient, a solvent, and a texture enhancer in formulations. It is highly valued for its ability to impart a non-greasy, silky feel to products and to improve their spreadability on the skin. This ingredient is commonly found in a variety of topical products such as skin creams, lotions, lip glosses, and makeup. While its use is widespread, research specifically on Ethylhexyl Palmitate's health effects or efficacy in humans is limited, with most available data stemming from cosmetic ingredient safety assessments rather than comprehensive clinical trials. The evidence base primarily consists of toxicological safety evaluations and chemical synthesis studies, with a notable absence of systematic reviews or meta-analyses focusing on its direct health benefits or risks in human populations.
Benefits
Ethylhexyl Palmitate primarily functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It works by forming a protective, lubricating layer on the skin surface, which helps to improve skin texture and hydration by reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL). However, it is important to note that no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or meta-analyses have been found that quantify specific clinical benefits, such as significant improvements in skin barrier function or hydration, in human subjects. Its inclusion in cosmetic formulations is largely to enhance the aesthetic properties of the product, such as feel and spreadability, rather than to provide direct therapeutic benefits to the skin. There are no established population-specific benefits supported by clinical research.
How it works
Ethylhexyl Palmitate functions primarily as an occlusive emollient. Upon application, it forms a thin, lipid-based film on the skin's surface. This film acts as a barrier, effectively reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by trapping moisture, thereby helping to soften and smooth the skin. Its chemical stability and low volatility ensure that it remains on the skin for an extended period, contributing to its persistent emollient effect. Due to its ester structure, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is lipophilic, meaning it readily mixes with oils and other lipid components commonly found in cosmetic formulations. Its molecular size and lipophilicity suggest that its absorption through the skin into the systemic circulation is minimal, limiting systemic exposure.
Side effects
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is generally considered safe for topical use in cosmetic products at typical concentrations. A comprehensive safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel found no significant toxicity, mutagenicity, or genotoxicity associated with alkyl esters, including Ethylhexyl Palmitate, even at high doses (up to 1000 mg/kg body weight/day) in animal studies. Minor effects, such as increased liver weight observed in high-dose animal studies, were interpreted as adaptive responses rather than adverse effects. While no specific carcinogenicity data are available, the negative genotoxicity results and low dermal penetration suggest a low concern for carcinogenic risk. Common side effects like skin irritation or sensitization are rare; Ethylhexyl Palmitate is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing in human patch tests. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported. Although specific studies on special populations like pregnant women or children are lacking, its low systemic absorption suggests a low risk profile for these groups.
Dosage
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is used as a cosmetic ingredient, not a pharmacological agent, so there are no established therapeutic dosing guidelines. In typical cosmetic formulations, its concentration ranges from 1% to 25%, depending on the specific product type and desired aesthetic properties. There is no established minimum effective dose for its emollient or solvent functions, as its primary role is to enhance product aesthetics. Safety data from animal studies support its use at levels up to at least 1000 mg/kg body weight/day without adverse effects, which is significantly higher than typical human topical exposure levels. There are no specific timing considerations or cofactor requirements for its use. Its application is generally as part of a formulated cosmetic product.
FAQs
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate safe for sensitive skin?
Yes, it is generally considered safe for sensitive skin. It has been shown to be non-irritating and non-sensitizing in most individuals during human patch tests.
Can Ethylhexyl Palmitate cause acne?
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is generally considered non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores and cause acne. However, individual skin responses can vary.
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate absorbed systemically?
Minimal dermal absorption is expected due to its molecular size and lipophilicity. This limits systemic exposure, making it primarily a topical ingredient.
Does Ethylhexyl Palmitate have therapeutic effects?
Its main role is to improve the feel and texture of cosmetic products and to provide emollient properties. It does not have proven therapeutic benefits for skin conditions.
Research Sources
- https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/alkyle122012tent_faa_final%20for%20posting.pdf – This is a comprehensive safety assessment by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. It reviewed alkyl esters, including Ethylhexyl Palmitate, and found no significant toxicity, mutagenicity, or genotoxicity at high doses in animal studies. Minor liver weight increases at very high doses were deemed adaptive, and concerns for carcinogenicity were low due to negative genotoxicity and minimal absorption. The review is a high-quality safety assessment, though it relies on animal and in vitro data rather than human clinical trials.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27714658/ – This source likely refers to a systematic review on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), a chemically distinct compound from Ethylhexyl Palmitate, despite sharing a common moiety. While DEHP is associated with adverse reproductive and developmental effects, these findings are not directly applicable to Ethylhexyl Palmitate, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between chemically different compounds.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33689122/ – This research focuses on the enzymatic synthesis of Ethylhexyl Palmitate. It explores efficient production methods using enzymatic esterification in bioreactors. While relevant for industrial manufacturing processes, this study does not provide data on the clinical efficacy or safety of Ethylhexyl Palmitate for human use.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28886551/ – This source likely refers to another systematic review on di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP). Similar to the other DEHP-related source, it would discuss the adverse effects of DEHP, which are not relevant to the safety profile of Ethylhexyl Palmitate due to their distinct chemical structures and applications.
