Is isopropyl palmitate an ingredient you want to see on the back of your product’s label?

We know ingredient lists and labels can sometimes be tough to decipher. So we’ve dedicated this column to shedding a little light on certain ingredients listed on our self-care products. In our mission to promote a healthy skin, lifestyle & world, we believe that the first step is advocating for educated, conscious consumption – to practice self-love by knowing exactly what you’re putting in your body AND on your body.

Always remember when looking at an ingredient list:

• The main ingredient is first, and then it goes down the list
• If it sounds like something from a science experiment, it’s probably not good for you
• As a general rule: the fewer ingredients, the better
  
  

Isopropyl palmitate

Rating: Good (with exceptions)

Synonym(s): ethylhexyl palmitate; octyl palmitate; cetyl palmitate

What it is:
Isopropyl palmitate is commonly used as a thickening agent. It helps products feel soft and it strengthens their moisturizing effect. You can find it in a wide spectrum of products.

Pros and cons of isopropyl palmitate:
One of the biggest pros of products with palmitates is instant effectiveness; they lubricate the skin surface within seconds. That’s smoother, softer, silkier textured skin with the feel of more elasticity – right before your very eyes. However, this element does not come without its cons. Due to its powerful thickening properties, this ingredient prevents the skin from properly breathing. In turn, pores become more clogged, which can lead to a surge of breakouts. Although it is claimed to be a safe ingredient, opt to err on the side of caution regarding the amount you expose your skin to.
What’s more, isopropyl palmitate is partly derived from alcohol which, over time, will end up drying the skin. And to top it off, it’s primarily manufactured with palm oil, an environmental unsustainable no-go.

The verdict on isopropyl palmitate:

In the end, isopropyl palmitate as an ingredient is an easy & affordable way to make a product feel lush, with instant effectiveness. But you should consider avoiding it if clogged pores or acne is a concern for you.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in May 2018 and was updated in July 2019 for accuracy.