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| Catalog Number | CI-SC-0211 |
| Product Name | Palmitic Acid |
| CAS | 57-10-3 |
| Structure |  |
| Synonyms | Pentadecanecarboxylicacid |
| Description | Emulsifying fatty acid derived from palm oil. Saponification value 218-222. HLB 11-12 (gives oil-in-water emulsions). |
| IUPAC Name | Hexadecanoic acid |
| Molecular Weight | 256.42 g/mol |
| Molecular Formula | C16H32O2 |
| Canonical SMILES | CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)O |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C16H32O2/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16(17)18/h2-15H2,1H3,(H,17,18) |
| InChI Key | IPCSVZSSVZVIGE-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| Boiling Point | 351.5 °C |
| Melting Point | 61-62.5 °C(lit.) |
| Flash Point | >230 °F |
| Purity | 95% |
| Density | 0.852 g/mL at 25 °C(lit.) |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot alcohol, ether |
| Appearance | Solid |
| Application | Creams, cream rinses, shampoos and conditioners, soaps, and many other basic cosmetic preparations. |
| Storage | Room temperature |
| Composition | Palmitic acid |
| Features And Benefits | Acts as viscosity builder, emollient and co-emulsifier Acts also as superfatting agent and opacifier Widely used to improve emollience and thickness of emulsions |
| GMO | GMO-free |
| HS Code | 3402130000 |
| INCI | Palmitic acid |
| Manufacture | Palmitic acid is produced from fats and oils by the saponification of the triglycerides using hot water. The resulting mixture is then distilled. |
| Preservation | Preservative-free |
| Purity Grade | No purity grade applicable |
| Raw Material Source | Palm oil sourced from sustainable source (RSPO) |
| Refractive Index | 1.4273 |
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 37.3 Ų |
| Uses | Add to formulas to the heated oil phase to melt the crystals. Typical use level 0.25 - 3%. For external use only. |
Palmitic acid, also known as hexadecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid prominent in both animal and vegetable sources, comprising 16 carbon atoms. It is ubiquitous in the natural world, making up 20-30% of animal fats and approximately 10% of vegetable oils. Notably, palm oil, derived from the oil palm tree, is a major source, containing about 44% palmitic acid. This fatty acid is integral to diverse applications across various industries. In the industrial sector, it plays a vital role in the production of soaps, candles, plastics, and lubricants. Within the food industry, it serves as a nutrient, emulsifier, and thickener. In cosmetics and personal care, palmitic acid is valued for its multifunctional properties, enhancing products such as lotions, creams, and soaps through its emulsifying, thickening, and conditioning capabilities. Its ability to stabilize formulations and improve the application experience is widely recognized. Additionally, it contributes to skin and hair health by moisturizing and nourishing, reducing dryness, and enhancing overall texture. Being safe and biodegradable, palmitic acid is a sustainable ingredient choice, although it's essential to consider its potential for skin irritation or allergic reactions when assessing the overall safety and effectiveness of formulations containing it.
What is Palmitic Acid?
Palmitic acid, also known as hexadecanoic acid, is a saturated fatty acid with a 16-carbon atom chain. It is a common component of animal fats and vegetable oils and usually appears as a white, waxy solid at room temperature. As a natural, sustainable, and renewable ingredient, it is the most prevalent fatty acid found in nature.
In which natural sources can Palmitic Acid be found?
Palmitic acid is commonly found in both vegetable oils and animal fats. Notable sources include palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, beef tallow, lard, dairy products, and chocolate. It constitutes about 44% of palm oil and 8-10% of coconut oil.
What are the uses of Palmitic Acid in various industries?
Palmitic acid is utilized in numerous industrial applications. In food, it serves as a nutrient, emulsifier, and thickener. In cosmetics and personal care, it is employed in lotions, creams, soaps, and hair care products to act as an emulsifying agent, thickener, nutrient, and conditioner. It is also found in the manufacturing of soaps, candles, plastics, and lubricants, and in biofuels and industrial applications.
How does Palmitic Acid contribute to skin and hair care?
In skin and hair care, palmitic acid helps to emulsify oil-based and water-based formulations. It thickens product consistency, making them easier to apply, and improves their sensory profile. Palmitic acid moisturizes and nourishes skin and hair cells, helping reduce dryness, roughness, and flakiness. Furthermore, when combined with alkalies, it acts as a surfactant to cleanse the skin and hair by removing dirt and impurities.
Is Palmitic Acid safe to use in consumer products?
Palmitic acid is considered a safe and biodegradable ingredient. However, the safety and effectiveness of a product should be evaluated based on the total formulation, not just based on the presence of palmitic acid. While safe, it may cause skin irritation, sensitization, or allergic reactions in some individuals, indicating the need for caution and testing when sensitive skin is a concern.
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