Palmitic Acid
Also known as Hexadecanoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Cetylic acid, C16:0 fatty acid
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Palmitic Acid (hexadecanoic acid; CAS 57-10-3; C16H32O2) is a saturated C16 fatty acid naturally abundant in palm oil, dairy fat, and human sebum. The CIR Expert Panel assessed it as part of a group safety review covering five saturated/unsaturated fatty acids (Oleic, Lauric, Palmitic, Myristic, and Stearic acids), concluding all are safe as used in cosmetics (JACT 6(3):321-401, 1987; reaffirmed June 2005, republished IJT 25(S2), 2006). A 2019 RIFM safety assessment (PMID 31751645) evaluated palmitic acid specifically as a fragrance ingredient across genotoxicity, skin sensitization, repeated-dose, reproductive, and environmental endpoints and found it safe for consumer product use. No concentration limits or conditions appear in the CIR assessment.
Emollient and skin-barrier component — naturally present in human sebum and stratum corneum lipids
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe as used in cosmetics in a group assessment covering palmitic, oleic, lauric, myristic, and stearic acids:321-401, 1987; reaffirmed 2005)
RIFM 2019 ingredient-specific safety assessment confirms safety across toxicological endpoints
Used as emulsifier, opacifier, and co-emollient in creams, soaps, and lotions; forms sodium palmitate (soap) upon saponification
CIR Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid (J Am Coll Toxicol 6…
“Oleic Acid | S | [no detail] | JACT 6(3):321-401, 1987 confirmed 06/05 IJT 25(S2), 2006”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 98