Common Name(s): Glyceryl palmitoleate,glycerol monopalmitoleate,glyceryl c16:1 ester
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Softens and moisturizes skin using a fatty acid that naturally resembles skin's own sebum.
Why It's Used: Palmitoleic acid (c16:1 omega-7) is a key constituent of human sebum; glyceryl ester form provides enhanced skin penetration and integrates with the skin's natural lipid barrier.
How It Works: C16:1 chain mirrors skin sebum composition; glyceryl ester form facilitates transdermal lipid incorporation; hlb ~4โ5 enables mild w/o emulsification; omega-7 affinity with skin barrier lipids is documented.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging serums,barrier repair creams,facial moisturizers,sebum-mimetic formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning,emulsifying,barrier support
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Palmitoleic acid from macadamia, sea buckthorn, or fish (check source); glycerin from plant; mostly plant-derived. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; sebum-compatible; excellent for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,fatty acids,niacinamide,other emollients
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Palmitoleic acid (omega-7, c16:1 cis-9) is a monounsaturated fatty acid found in human sebum at ~15%; dietary and topical omega-7 supplementation is associated with improved skin barrier function; glyceryl ester form provides formulation stability and gentle skin delivery.
Last Verified: 2026-03-27
Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary,skin lipid barrier research literature