Common Name(s): Hexadecanoic acid,n-hexadecanoic acid,cetylic acid
CAS Number: 57-10-3
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides barrier-relevant c16 saturated fatty acid emolliency and ceramide precursor activity.
Why It's Used: Barrier-relevant saturated fatty acid for formulations targeting the free fatty acid component of the stratum corneum barrier.
How It Works: C16 saturated chain provides solid waxy emolliency. ceramide backbone precursor for c16 ceramide synthesis. free fatty acid component of stratum corneum lamellar bodies (24% of barrier lipids). nmf component providing barrier conditioning.
Typically Found In: Barrier repair products,creams,emollient systems
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ c16 saturated fatty acid
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: No - animal-derived
Halal Status: Conditional - animal origin stated in the record's own description; documentation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: pass-1 miss: the record's own detail text states an animal derivation, but pass 1 classified on the name and source_notes only. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 2/5 โ low
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Palmitic acid is the most abundant fatty acid in human skin and one of the three most important free fatty acids in the stratum corneum lamellar body system (alongside linoleic and oleic acids). its abundance in human skin makes palmitic acid a uniquely skin-authentic emollient โ not just coating skin but integrating into the barrier lipid structure.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cir safety assessment