In the event you’re avoiding silicones just like the plague, you could be accustomed to Octyl Palmitate. It’s a standard (and low cost) different. However, what’s it precisely? There’s nothing wrong with silicones (sure, actually), however in the event you don’t need 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 secure for everybody, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant girls? 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 referred to as Ethylhexyl Palmitate. Isn’t it annoying when skincare elements have multiple title?! And never one in every of them one thing you’ll be able to simply bear in mind… Simply saying…
This clear liquid is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is a standard saturated fatty acid naturally present in animas and crops – and a significant element 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 like a transparent, colourless liquid.
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What Does Octyl Palmitate Do In Skincare?
Octyl Palmitate is commonly used as a substitute for silicones and mineral oil due to its dry-slip really feel. Like silicones, it’s a multitasker too:
- Emollient: It reduces water loss, conserving 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 identical to silicones.
- Perfume fixative: It helps fragrance or scent keep on with the pores and skin, in order that they last more. Good in perfumes, not so good in skincare merchandise (perfume could be irritating for delicate pores and skin).
- Lubricant: It reduces friction once you rub it in opposition to your pores and skin, making software smoother.
- Pigment wetting agent: A flowery manner 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 elements into an answer. This additionally helps improve the penetration of energetic elements, in order that they work higher and sooner.
Associated: Is Fragrance In Skincare As Bad 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 cut 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 appease irritations. Obtainable at Beauty 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 Fantastic, Sephora, and Ulta.
Is Octyl Palmitate Comedogenic?
Sure. Like all elements with Palmitate within the title (Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristyl Palmitate, and many others), Octyl Palmitate can clog pores and make you breakout. Now, don’t freak out. Simply because one thing might make you breakout, it doesn’t imply you’ll. It’s extra more likely to occur in case you have oily/acne-prone pores and skin and are utilizing a cream with a excessive quantity of Octyl Palmitate. Tiny doses are normally secure for greasy pores and skin, too. However in the event you’re acne-prone and see Octyl Palmitate within the high 5 elements on the label, run away!
Associated: What Skincare Ingredients Are Comedogenic?
Octyl Palmitate Facet Results
Breakouts apart, Octyl Palmitate is safe for everyone, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant girls. Positive, it might trigger irritations in excessive concentrations (40-50%), however that’s not a difficulty 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 secure for everybody, however can clog pores and trigger zits in acne-prone pores and skin.