Functional Solvent Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name: 2-Ethylhexyl hexadecanoate

• 🧪 Synonyms: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Octyl Palmitate, Hexadecanoic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₂₄H₄₈O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 29806-73-3

• ⚖️ MW: 368.64 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Waxy-fatty (trace)

• 📈 Odor Strength: Very low

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Neutral to faintly fatty, non-interfering

• ⚗️ Uses: Solvent, Fixative, Emollient

• 🧴 Appearance: Clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid

What is Octyl Palmitate?

Octyl Palmitate is a branched-chain fatty ester produced via the esterification of palmitic acid (a saturated C16 fatty acid) and 2-ethylhexanol (a branched alcohol). Developed during the mid-20th century to replace heavier, greasy emollients, it has become a common functional base in personal care and fragrance products. It mimics the structure and behavior of skin lipids, offering smoothness and glide while remaining chemically inert and non-comedogenic.

Historical Background

The development of Octyl Palmitate was driven by demand for lightweight, dermatologically compatible esters in cosmetics. It emerged as a preferred alternative to natural oils due to its stability, sensory profile, and absence of scent or oxidation issues. Today it is widely used in both "classic" and "green" cosmetic and perfumery formulations, particularly where silicone-like spread is desired without silicone content.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Octyl Palmitate is selected in perfumery not for its scent, but for its olfactory neutrality and excellent solvent properties:

• Fixative carrier in oil-based perfumes, solid fragrances, and roll-ons

• Enhances adhesion and diffusion of lipophilic aroma compounds on skin

• Compatible with esters, lactones, musks, resinoids, and natural oils

Its low vapor pressure means it remains on the skin, supporting slow release and longevity of top and heart notes.

Industrial & Technical Uses

• Cosmetics: Light emollient in creams, serums, sun care, and make-up

• Haircare: Adds gloss and smoothness without buildup

• Pharmaceuticals: Non-occlusive vehicle for topical preparations

• Silicone-free formulation systems: Mimics slip and spread of dimethicone

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• INCI Name: Ethylhexyl Palmitate

• IFRA: Not restricted under IFRA 51st Amendment

• EU Cosmetics Regulation: Approved for unrestricted topical use

• FEMA GRAS: Not listed; not permitted for ingestion

• ECHA/REACH: Registered; no classified hazards

• Toxicology:

  • Non-irritant

  • Non-sensitizing

  • Low dermal toxicity (Elder, 1989)

Patch testing recommended in cases of sensitive or compromised skin.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions

• Aquatic Toxicity: Low

• Bioaccumulation: Not expected

• Sustainability Note: As palmitic acid is often palm-derived, sourcing from RSPO-certified supply chains is strongly encouraged to reduce environmental and social impact

Additional Information

• Boiling Point: Approx. 220–250 °C (may decompose)

• Flash Point: ~200 °C

• Refractive Index @ 20 °C: 1.445–1.455

• Viscosity: Low to medium

• Solubility:

  • Insoluble in water

  • Soluble in oils and non-polar solvents

• Recommended Use Level: 5–40% in oil perfumes or emulsions

• Format Compatibility: Suitable for anhydrous formulations, emulsions, sticks, and roll-ons

Sources

• Scentspiracy-provided source

• Elder, R. L. (1989). Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isopropyl, Isobutyl, and Octyl Palmitate. JACT, 8(4), 639–671

• PubChem Compound Database – Octyl Palmitate

• REACH Substance Information – ECHA

• IFRA Standards Library (2024)

• Sell, C. (2019). The Chemistry of Fragrances (3rd Ed.)