2-Ethylhexyl palmitate

2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate (CAS 29806-73-3) is a fatty acid ester produced by reacting palmitic acid with 2-ethylhexanol. It is sold under trade names including Exepal EH-P, Ceraphyl 368, Wickenol 155, and Evernol EHP, and carries no assigned E-code. It is commonly abbreviated as EHP in formulation documentation.

In personal care formulations, it functions as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent by forming a non-occlusive film that reduces transepidermal water loss without a greasy residue. In pharmaceutical topical preparations, it serves as a solvent and carrier for active ingredients, improving spreadability and penetration. It also acts as a plasticizer in film coatings, increasing flexibility of polymer matrices.

2-Ethylhexyl Palmitate is available in cosmetic and pharmaceutical grades and is subject to REACH registration requirements for EU supply. Suppliers typically offer it in drums and IBCs. Procurement teams should confirm grade suitability against Ph.Eur. or internal pharmacopoeia standards where pharmaceutical application is intended.