Isopropyl palmitate
Isopropyl palmitate is the ester of isopropyl alcohol and palmitic acid (C16), a clear, colorless, nearly odorless liquid that is slightly heavier than isopropyl myristate. It is made by esterifying palmitic acid, mostly from palm oil, with isopropanol, then refining and deodorizing. Cosmetic brands buy it as an emollient ester and solvent for lotions, creams, makeup and hair products.
Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.
Isopropyl palmitate meeting pharmacopeial monographs for pharmaceutical and OTC topical products.
Refined grade for personal care with a stated palmitate content.
Grades from certified palm supply chains under mass-balance or segregated models.
Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.
Store isopropyl palmitate sealed at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture. It can turn cloudy or partially solidify below about 15 °C and should be warmed and mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and odor for older stock.
Record ester assay, acid value and palm certification status for each lot. Rotate FIFO and check that cold-stored drums are fully clear after warming before sampling.
Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists isopropyl palmitate (CAS 142-91-6) with non-medicinal purposes of emollient, oleaginous vehicle and solvent.
Source: webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca (opens in a new tab)FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists isopropyl palmitate (CAS 142-91-6) without a stated technical effect or regulation.
Source: hfpappexternal.fda.gov (opens in a new tab)21 CFR 310.545(a)(18) lists isopropyl palmitate among skin protectant ingredients for which there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness as OTC drug actives.
Source: ecfr.gov (opens in a new tab)This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.
Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.
Distributor · Blue Bell, PA
Pennsylvania distributor of oleochemicals and personal care ingredients, including castor products, fatty alcohols, esters, glycerin and natural oils and butters.
Manufacturer · Philadelphia, PA
Sells it as Lexol IPP-NF MB
Philadelphia maker of personal care ingredients, including esters, emollients, emulsifiers and preservation components, with its main production site in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Suppliers are in alphabetical order and none pays to appear. Each claim is checked against the supplier’s own website on the date shown. Ask for the specification sheet and a recent COA before you order, and confirm details with the supplier.
Common forms include nF / EP grade, cosmetic grade and rSPO palm-based. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.
Expect ester assay, acid and saponification values, iodine value, water, color, odor and cloud point and heavy metals, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.
Store isopropyl palmitate sealed at room temperature, away from light, heat and moisture. It can turn cloudy or partially solidify below about 15 °C and should be warmed and mixed before use. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, with a retest of acid value and odor for older stock.
Health Canada's Natural Health Products Ingredients Database lists isopropyl palmitate (CAS 142-91-6) with non-medicinal purposes of emollient, oleaginous vehicle and solvent. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists isopropyl palmitate (CAS 142-91-6) without a stated technical effect or regulation. 21 CFR 310.545(a)(18) lists isopropyl palmitate among skin protectant ingredients for which there are inadequate data to establish general recognition of safety and effectiveness as OTC drug actives.
Request a free listing for the ingredients you make or distribute. No paid placement.