Isopropyl Palmitate

Brief Overview

Isopropyl palmitate is a mixture of fatty alcohols and saturated fatty acids that belongs to the cetyl ester group. It acts as a non-polar solvent, which means it can dissolve in oil but will not mix with water. Isopropyl palmitate is a good emollient and is primarily used in cosmetic and personal care products, including moisturizer cream, perfumes, sunscreen, and deodorant.

Manufacturing Process

Refined palm oil undergoes saponification to produce fatty acid and glycerine. The extracted fatty acids are distilled to produce purified palmitic acid. The collected palmitic acid is further reacted with propan-2-ol with acid as a catalyst to produce isopropyl palmitate.

Cosmetics Industry

Isopropyl palmitate has a good spreading property; therefore, the compound is sued as an emollient to produce moisturizer cosmetic products. In addition, the compound is utilized in topical anesthetic, cream, lotion, and hair products.

Soaps and Detergents Industry

Isopropyl palmitate is often used in the making of bath soap (saponification), hair care products and bath oils.