What is palmitic acid?

Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in many fats and oils, both plant-based (like palm oil) and animal-based. It is a common component of skin's natural lipids.

What does palmitic acid do in skincare?

In skincare products, palmitic acid primarily acts as an emollient to improve skin texture and as an emulsifier to help keep product ingredients blended.

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Palmitic Acid

Palmitic acid is a common saturated fatty acid found naturally in plants and animals. In cosmetics, it functions as an emollient, helping to soften and smooth the skin. It also acts as an emulsifier, assisting in blending oil and water-based ingredients, and can contribute to the texture and stability of formulations.

Fatty acid

BenefitMinimal 1 / 4

Barrier support i1.5 / 4

Whether it supports the skin barrier — restoring lipids, reducing water loss, aiding barrier repair, or strengthening the skin’s protective function.

Hydration i1 / 4

Whether the ingredient helps increase the skin’s water content — humectants that attract water, ingredients that reduce water loss, or ones that make skin feel less dry.

RiskVery low 0 / 4

Rated by SpottyLabs' ingredient methodology, independent of brands.

What it helps with

Softens skin
Smooths skin
Stabilizes formulas

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Products with Palmitic Acid

COSRX

The Ceramide Skin Barrier Moisturizer

Feuchtigkeitsspendende Gesichtscreme mit LSF 30

4.7/ 514/18/4

The Ordinary

Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA

4.6/ 519/21/6

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Frequently asked questions

What is palmitic acid?: Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in many fats and oils, both plant-based (like palm oil) and animal-based. It is a common component of skin's natural lipids.
What does palmitic acid do in skincare?: In skincare products, palmitic acid primarily acts as an emollient to improve skin texture and as an emulsifier to help keep product ingredients blended.