Back to Ingredient Dictionary
Common Name(s): Palmitoyl hyaluronate,palmitoyl hyaluronate,lipophilic hyaluronate,amphiphilic ha derivative
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides hyaluronic acid water-binding humectancy with c16 palmitoyl chain anchoring in sc lipid bilayers for extended hydration retention unavailable from standard water-soluble sodium hyaluronate.
Why It's Used: Palmitoyl hyaluronate is selected for its amphiphilic sc-anchoring architecture โ the palmitoyl chain inserts into sc lipid bilayers to immobilise the ha hydrator at sc depth, providing prolonged water retention versus surface-deposited ha that washes off with the first water exposure.
How It Works: Palmitoyl-ha: c16 chain โ sc lipid bilayer insertion โ ha hydrator anchored at depth โ sustained water-binding; unmodified ha: surface deposition โ rapid wash-off.
Typically Found In: Moisturiser,barrier care,anti-aging
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ humectant
Secondary Functions: Moisture retention,hydration
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived or fermentation-produced. [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: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; suitable for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,emollients,occlusives,barrier actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Palmitoyl modification raises ha's logp from <-5 to approximately +1, enabling the transition from purely hydrophilic surface deposition to amphiphilic sc penetration.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,palmitoyl hyaluronate amphiphilic ha lipophilic review