Ethylhexyl Palmitate Supplier South Africa

What Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate?

Ethylhexyl palmitate (2-ethylhexyl palmitate, EHP) is the ester of 2-ethylhexanol and palmitic acid (C16). It is a light, non-greasy cosmetic emollient — an oil-phase ingredient that provides skin feel and spreadability to cosmetic formulations without the heavy or occlusive feel of natural plant oils or heavier esters. EHP is the most widely used ester emollient in cosmetic formulation, appearing in a vast range of skincare, sunscreen, colour cosmetic, hair care, and personal care products. Its viscosity is low (~10–15 mPas), making it easy to process and blend into the oil phase of emulsions or anhydrous oil formulations.

Cosmetic Formulation Uses

In sunscreens, ethylhexyl palmitate is the primary solvent and carrier for organic UV filters including avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate — all of which require an oil-phase solvent to dissolve at the required concentrations. EHP dissolves these UV filters efficiently and contributes to a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen texture. In foundation and BB/CC creams, EHP is used as an oil-phase dispersant and emollient that contributes slip, blendability, and skin-feel without adding shine or clogging pores. In body lotions and moisturisers, it provides smoothness and spreadability in O/W emulsions.

Properties and Skin Compatibility

Ethylhexyl palmitate has excellent skin compatibility and is generally non-comedogenic, making it suitable for normal-to-combination and oily skin formulations where heavier oils would be poorly tolerated. It has good stability under typical cosmetic processing conditions and a long shelf life. It is non-irritating and non-sensitising for most skin types. Terracore Chemicals supplies ethylhexyl palmitate in cosmetic grade for personal care manufacturers.