Introduction

Palmitic acid is a fatty acid that can be found in the skin as well as in palm oil, palm kernel oil, butter, cheese and meat. It occurs in the highest amounts in the tissues of animals, plants, and microorganisms. It is the precursor of several palmitate-containing compounds, including isopropyl palmitate. Palmitic acid has a lot of applications in cosmetic products, including cleansing agents and emollients.

What is palmitic acid?

Palmitic acid or hexadecanoic acid is one of the most common fatty acids. It occurs naturally from animals, plants, and other organisms. Further, it is also a major component of palm oil and is also found in cheese, milk, meats, butter and other dairy products. In addition, it was the first time this compound was found in saponified palm oil by Edmond Fremy in the year 1840.

What does palmitic acid do in skincare products?

In skincare, palmitic acid is a multi-functional component that serves more than a moisturising purpose. It aids in preserving the skin's protection against external elements by strengthening the moisture barrier, a thin film protecting the skin from pollution and dehydration. Its ability to cleanse is delicate, removing substances such as dirt and oils without harming the skin.

Palmitic acid is not like all the other fatty acids; it is exceptional as it improves the texture of creams and lotions. Moreover, it can better maintain the desired combination of the active substances of the product so that they will work better. It covers and enhances skin with no harm done to it and cleanses it while also enhancing its properties. This makes palmitic acid relevant and widely utilised in the modern skincare industry.

Read more about other emollients used in skincare:
Stearic acid

Sorbitan oleate

Dimethiconol

Is palmitic acid derived naturally?

In skincare, palmitic acid is often derived from natural sources like palm oil, coconut oil, and other plant-based oils. These natural sources make it a popular choice for formulators seeking eco-friendly ingredients. Palmitic acid's plant-derived version is commonly used in creams, lotions, and cleansers due to its moisturising and protective properties. However, it can also be synthetically produced to maintain consistency and purity in skincare formulations. Whether natural or synthetic, palmitic acid serves as an emollient, surfactant, and emulsifier in various skincare products.

Palmitic acid benefits in skincare

Here are the palmitic acid benefits specifically for skincare:

• Forms skin's lipid barrier: Palmitic acid is used for the building and upkeep of the lipid barriers of the skin's superficial most layer also known as stratum corneum, which assists in blocking factors such as microorganisms, dirt, and other pollutants.
• Surfactant: It allows for the lifting out of the grease and dirt on the skin's surface so that deep-seated dirt may be cleansed out with no excessive drying out of the skin.
• Emulsifier: It helps to bring together the product ingredients that would have otherwise been separated from each other, thus improving the overall quality of this product and its ease of use when applied to the skin.
• Moisturising agents: The acid is made up of polymers that act on the dermis to smooth the skin, as well as relieve the skin from irritation. Besides, it acts as a barrier against water loss from the skin.
• Restores the skin barrier function: It improves as well as protects the lipid barrier on the skin, which helps to alleviate skin regeneration and at the same time protects skin from solvents.

Precautions while using palmitic acid

It is essential to consider the following precautions on the use of palmitic acid in skincare:

• Patch test: Before trying any skincare products that contain palmitic acid, a patch test should be performed, especially on sensitive areas, just to know any adverse reactions.
• Concentration levels: Always check the amount of palmitic acid present in the congratulatory products. More dosage guarantees a better effect but on the downside, it increases the chances of irritation, especially among sensitive skin types.
• Combination with other ingredients: While there could be the use of active ingredient products like retinoids or acids, one should be on the lookout for irritation when mixed with palmitic acid.
• Product quality: Use good products from trusted companies because the form of palmitic acid with which one is working could be different in such a way that it affects the dosage.
• Skin type consideration: Palmitic acid, in a general sense, is not harmful to all users but may help those who have oily skin or acne as it caps on pores.
• Storage conditions: Lastly, it is important to understand that palmitic acid's pharmacological action and stability can be compromised after the storage product is absorbed in heat and rays from the sun.

Conclusion

To summarise, palmitic acid can be considered a unique and productive component that can be benefited in the formulation of skincare compounds. It enhances the skin's lipid matrix, allows for gentle cleansing, and improves the texture of the product. Derived from natural sources or produced synthetically, palmitic acid supports hydration, protects against environmental aggressors, and helps maintain product integrity. However, precautions of using it must also be considered, such as performing patch tests, monitoring concentration levels, and being mindful of skin type can help mitigate potential risks. As the skincare industry continues to evolve, palmitic acid remains a key player in delivering effective, safe, and aesthetically pleasing products.