Methyl palmitate

Methyl palmitate (CAS 112-39-0), also known as methyl hexadecanoate, is a fatty acid methyl ester derived from palmitic acid used across personal care, food, and industrial lubricant markets. It functions as an emollient, emulsifier, and lubricant base, bridging natural-origin raw material sourcing with performance-driven formulation needs. In personal care, it acts as a skin-conditioning emollient.

It serves as a texture modifier in creams, lotions, and color cosmetics, contributing a dry, non-greasy skin feel that influences finished product positioning. Food-grade material is used as a reference standard. It is also utilized as a flavoring carrier in analytical and formulation contexts. Industrial lubricant formulators incorporate it as a base fluid or additive in metalworking fluids and release agents.

Its ester structure provides boundary lubrication and surface wetting on metal substrates. It also serves as a feedstock in oleochemical synthesis, including the production of fatty alcohols and surfactant intermediates. Methyl palmitate is supplied as a white to off-white solid or liquid depending on temperature, available in technical and food-grade specifications. Standard purity levels range from 95% to 99%+.

High-purity grades support analytical and cosmetic applications. Packaging typically includes drums and IBC containers, with bulk availability from oleochemical producers sourcing from palm oil feedstocks.