What is Ethylhexyl Palmitate?
Chemically, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is a synthetic emollient ester. The modern INCI name for octyl palmitate, a dry-touch emollient rated 4/5.
Where Ethylhexyl Palmitate shows up
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is commonly formulated into lotions, sunscreens, primers, and colour cosmetics, where it adds a smooth, non-greasy slip. Separately from clogging, its irritancy is rated 1/5 — low, so it's unlikely to sting or sensitise on its own.
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate bad for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is one to watch — especially when it appears in the first few ingredients, which means it's present at higher concentration. Lower down a long ingredient list, its practical impact drops considerably.
Note for fungal-acne (malassezia) sufferers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate is commonly avoided in fungal-acne routines, since it falls into the fatty-acid or ester families the yeast can feed on. The evidence there is looser than for comedogenicity — see our fungal-acne checker for context.
Non-comedogenic alternatives
If you're avoiding Ethylhexyl Palmitate, these lower-risk ingredients serve a similar role and are gentler on pore-prone skin:
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — rated 1/5 (Low risk).
- Squalane — rated 1/5 (Low risk).