Palmitic Acid
What is it?
Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid are fatty acids that occur naturally in some foods. In cosmetics and personal-care products, fatty acids and mixtures of fatty acids such as Stearic Acid, Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid and Myristic Acid are used in a variety of cosmetic creams, cakes, soaps and pastes.
Safety Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes Stearic Acid on its list of direct food additives considered Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). Stearic Acid is also permitted as a direct food additive in chewing gum base. The FDA also includes fatty acids on its list of food additives permitted for direct addition to food.
The safety of Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetic products.
The safety of Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid and Palmitic Acid has been assessed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. The CIR Expert Panel evaluated the scientific data concluded that these ingredients were safe for use in cosmetic products.
Why is it used in cosmetics and personal care products?
The following functions have been reported for these ingredients.
Opacifying agent - Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Surfactant cleansing agent - Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Surfactant emulsifying agent - Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Opacifying agent - Myristic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Surfactant cleansing agent - Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Myristic Acid, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Surfactant emulsifying agent - Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid
Scientific facts:
Stearic Acid, also known as Octadecanoic Acid, is obtained from animal and vegetable fats and oils. Humans have the ability to synthesize Stearic Acid. In general, fatty acids are used in the production of hormones that regulate a variety of functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting and immune response.
