When you’re avoiding silicones just like the plague, you could be conversant in Octyl Palmitate. It’s a typical (and low-cost) different. However, what’s it precisely? There’s nothing flawed with silicones (sure, actually), however if you happen to don’t wish to use them, you’ll most likely hope the choice is a pure one. And what does it do in skincare? Does it have any particular properties to your pores and skin that makes them even higher than silicones? And most significantly, is it protected for everybody, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant ladies? So many questions, so little solutions… Wait, I do have all of the solutions. Let’s discover out:

What Is Octyl Palmitate?

First issues first: Octyl Palmitate is finest generally known as Ethylhexyl Palmitate. Isn’t it annoying when skincare components have a couple of title?! And never one among them one thing you possibly can simply keep in mind… Simply saying…

This clear liquid is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is a typical saturated fatty acid naturally present in animas and crops – and a significant part of palm oil. If If that’s a dealbreaker for you, keep away from merchandise that use it.

You can also make Octyl Palmitate in a lab or produce it from pure plant fragrances. At room temperature, it seems to be like a transparent, colourless liquid.

Need to know what components you actually need to keep away from in your skincare merchandise? Signal as much as the publication beneath to obtain the “Skincare Elements To Keep away from” cheatsheet:

What Does Octyl Palmitate Do In Skincare?

Octyl Palmitate is usually used as a substitute for silicones and mineral oil because of its dry-slip really feel. Like silicones, it’s a multitasker too:

• Emollient: It reduces water loss, protecting pores and skin hydrated for longer. Hydrated pores and skin is smoother, smoother, and plumper. The most effective half? It leaves no greasy residue on. It’s a dry emollient that feels similar to silicones.
• Perfume fixative: It helps fragrance or scent follow the pores and skin, in order that they last more. Good in perfumes, not so good in skincare merchandise (perfume might be irritating for delicate pores and skin).
• Lubricant: It reduces friction if you rub it towards your pores and skin, making software smoother.
• Pigment wetting agent: A elaborate means of claiming it helps to enhance the distribution of pigments in a formulation, in order that they don’t all accumulate in a single spot.
• Solvent: It helps dissolve different components into an answer. This additionally helps improve the penetration of lively components, in order that they work higher and sooner.

Associated: Is Perfume In Skincare As Unhealthy As Paula Begoun Says?

What Are The Finest Skincare Merchandise With Octyl Palmitate (Ethylhexyl Palmitate)?

• BeautyBio The Nightly Retinol Restore Serum ($95.00): A retinal serum that helps scale back wrinkles and fade away darkish spots in a moisturising and soothing base. Obtainable at BeautyBio and Ulta.
• Bioderma Cicabio Creme ($10.00): A no-frills moisturising cream with sugar-derived humectants that draw moisture into your pores and skin and Centella Asiatica to assuage irritations. Obtainable at Magnificence Bay and Boots.
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleaning Balm ($41.00): A silky cleaning balm with pure oils that soften make-up and impurities whereas moisturising pores and skin. Obtainable at Boots, Clinique, Look Improbable, Sephora, and Ulta.

Is Octyl Palmitate Comedogenic?

Sure. Like all components with Palmitate within the title (Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristyl Palmitate, and so forth), Octyl Palmitate can clog pores and make you breakout. Now, don’t freak out. Simply because one thing may make you breakout, it doesn’t imply you’ll. It’s extra prone to occur when you have oily/acne-prone pores and skin and are utilizing a cream with a excessive quantity of Octyl Palmitate. Tiny doses are often protected for shiny pores and skin, too. However if you happen to’re acne-prone and see Octyl Palmitate within the prime 5 components on the label, run away!

Associated: What Skincare Elements Are Comedogenic?

Octyl Palmitate Facet Results

Breakouts apart, Octyl Palmitate is protected for everybody, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant ladies. Positive, it might trigger irritations in excessive concentrations (40-50%), however that’s not a problem in skincare merchandise. The concentrations are a lot decrease there.

The Backside Line

Octyl Palmitate makes pores and skin softer and smoother and enhances the feel and really feel of skincare merchandise. It’s protected for everybody, however can clog pores and trigger zits in acne-prone pores and skin.

About Gio

Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that can assist you obtain your finest pores and skin day ever – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that can assist you work out what’s definitely worth the splurge and what’s finest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally supply skincare consultations that can assist you create the most effective skincare routine to your distinctive wants.