Ingredient guide ›

Palmitic Acid

Another creamy fatty acid.

What it does

A fatty acid from palm and other oils. It thickens creams and helps them mix and lather.

Good to know

Also used in food (E 570). EU food scientists (EFSA) reviewed fatty acids in 2017.

Often found in: Hand creams, Shaving foams, Body lotions

Around the world

• United States: No FDA limit. The FDA doesn't approve cosmetic ingredients before sale. Source
• EU and UK: No special limit in the EU or UK. Source
• Canada: Not on Health Canada's Hotlist of restricted ingredients. Source
• Australia: Listed in the Poisons Standard as not needing any controls. Source

Sources

• EFSA: Re-evaluation of fatty acids (E 570) as a food additive (2017) (Independent)
• CIR: Final Report on Oleic, Lauric, Palmitic, Myristic, and Stearic Acid (1987) (Industry-funded)