Palmitic acid

Palmitic acid (CAS 57-10-3), a saturated C16 fatty acid derived primarily from palm oil and animal fats, is a foundational raw material across food, personal care, and industrial manufacturing. FEMA 2832 status confirms its recognized use as a flavoring agent. It functions as an emulsifier, lubricant, and surface-active agent depending on the specific requirements of the end application.

In personal care, this material is used to produce soaps, cleansers, and skin-conditioning emollients where it contributes to lather quality and skin feel for high-end cosmetic formulations. Food manufacturers use it as a flavoring component and as a building block for emulsifier synthesis, including mono- and diglycerides used in various baked goods and margarines.

Metalworking and industrial lubricant formulators incorporate it into cutting fluids and greases, where its fatty acid chain provides boundary lubrication and metal surface adhesion. It also serves as a chemical intermediate in the production of surfactants, esters, and fatty acid derivatives for detergent and coating applications across several industrial sectors.

Palmitic acid is supplied as white flakes or powder, with purity levels typically ranging from technical grade to food-grade and cosmetic-grade specifications for diverse manufacturing needs. FCC and USP grades are available for regulated food and pharmaceutical applications. Minimum purity of 98% is standard for most commercial grades, with higher-purity fractions available.