Cetyl palmitate
CAS 540-10-3
EC 208-736-6
Formula C32H64O2
MW 480.85 g/mol
Oils, Fats & Waxes Personal Care & CosmeticsLubricants & MetalworkingPharmaceuticals & Healthcare Emulsification & DispersionHumectant & MoisturizingLubricationSurface Modification & Wetting
Description
Cetyl Palmitate (CAS 540-10-3) is a wax ester formed from cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid, commercially available under trade names including Cetin, EMALEX CC-16, and Palmityl Palmitate. It carries no assigned E-code and is classified under HS code 29171900 within the esters of fatty acids category.
In cosmetic emulsions, Cetyl Palmitate functions as a co-emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer by reinforcing the interfacial film between oil and water phases, improving long-term formulation stability. In pharmaceutical topical preparations and industrial lubricants, it reduces friction between surfaces through a film-forming mechanism, making it suitable for both skin-contact and metalworking applications.
Cetyl Palmitate is supplied in flake and powder grades and is compliant with REACH regulations for the European market. It meets Ph.Eur. and cosmetic-grade specifications where applicable, supporting use across regulated pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing environments. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk options.
In cosmetic emulsions, Cetyl Palmitate functions as a co-emulsifier and emulsion stabilizer by reinforcing the interfacial film between oil and water phases, improving long-term formulation stability. In pharmaceutical topical preparations and industrial lubricants, it reduces friction between surfaces through a film-forming mechanism, making it suitable for both skin-contact and metalworking applications.
Cetyl Palmitate is supplied in flake and powder grades and is compliant with REACH regulations for the European market. It meets Ph.Eur. and cosmetic-grade specifications where applicable, supporting use across regulated pharmaceutical and personal care manufacturing environments. Standard packaging includes 25 kg bags and bulk options.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | 54 °C |
| Boiling Point | 451 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | d20 0.989 |
| Appearance | White to off-white waxy plates or flakes |
| Color | White to almost white |
| Form | Crystalline Powder |
| Refractive Index | 1.4429 (589.3 nm 60℃) |
| Log P | 15.051 (est) |
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29171900 |
| Storage Class | 11 - Combustible Solids |
Other Names
Hexadecyl HexadecanoateWE(16:0/16:0)n-hexadecanyl palmitaten-hexadecyl hexadecanoateCETINCETACEUM
Related Products
Raw Materials
Derivatives
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