If you happen to’re avoiding silicones just like the plague, chances are you’ll be acquainted with Octyl Palmitate. It’s a standard (and low cost) various. However, what’s it precisely? There’s nothing unsuitable with silicones (sure, actually), however in case you don’t wish to use them, you’ll in all probability hope the choice is a pure one. And what does it do in skincare? Does it have any particular properties in your pores and skin that makes them even higher than silicones? And most significantly, is it protected for everybody, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant ladies? So many questions, so little solutions… Wait, I do have all of the solutions. Let’s discover out:
What Is Octyl Palmitate?
First issues first: Octyl Palmitate is greatest generally known as Ethylhexyl Palmitate. Isn’t it annoying when skincare elements have multiple title?! And never certainly one of them one thing you possibly can simply keep in mind… Simply saying…
This clear liquid is an ester of 2-ethylhexyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Palmitic acid is a standard saturated fatty acid naturally present in animas and crops – and a serious element of palm oil. If If that’s a dealbreaker for you, keep away from merchandise that use it.
You may make Octyl Palmitate in a lab or produce it from pure plant fragrances. At room temperature, it appears like a transparent, colourless liquid.
Need to know what elements you actually need to keep away from in your skincare merchandise? Signal as much as the publication under to obtain the “Skincare Elements To Keep away from” cheatsheet:
What Does Octyl Palmitate Do In Skincare?
Octyl Palmitate is usually used as a substitute for silicones and mineral oil because of its dry-slip really feel. Like silicones, it’s a multitasker too:
- Emollient: It reduces water loss, maintaining pores and skin hydrated for longer. Hydrated pores and skin is smoother, smoother, and plumper. One of the best half? It leaves no greasy residue on. It’s a dry emollient that feels similar to silicones.
- Perfume fixative: It helps fragrance or scent follow the pores and skin, so that they last more. Good in perfumes, not so good in skincare merchandise (perfume will be irritating for delicate pores and skin).
- Lubricant: It reduces friction whenever you rub it towards your pores and skin, making utility smoother.
- Pigment wetting agent: A elaborate means of claiming it helps to enhance the distribution of pigments in a formulation, so that they don’t all accumulate in a single spot.
- Solvent: It helps dissolve different elements into an answer. This additionally helps improve the penetration of energetic elements, so that they work higher and quicker.
Associated: Is Perfume In Skincare As Dangerous As Paula Begoun Says?
What Are The Finest Skincare Merchandise With Octyl Palmitate (Ethylhexyl Palmitate)?
- BeautyBio The Nightly Retinol Restore Serum ($95.00): A retinal serum that helps cut back wrinkles and fade away darkish spots in a moisturising and soothing base. Accessible at BeautyBio and Ulta.
- Bioderma Cicabio Creme ($10.00): A no-frills moisturising cream with sugar-derived humectants that draw moisture into your pores and skin and Centella Asiatica to assuage irritations. Accessible at Magnificence Bay and Boots.
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleaning Balm ($41.00): A silky cleaning balm with pure oils that soften make-up and impurities whereas moisturising pores and skin. Accessible at Boots, Clinique, Look Improbable, Sephora, and Ulta.
Is Octyl Palmitate Comedogenic?
Sure. Like all elements with Palmitate within the title (Isopropyl Palmitate, Myristyl Palmitate, and so on), Octyl Palmitate can clog pores and make you breakout. Now, don’t freak out. Simply because one thing might make you breakout, it doesn’t imply you’ll. It’s extra more likely to occur you probably have oily/acne-prone pores and skin and are utilizing a cream with a excessive quantity of Octyl Palmitate. Tiny doses are normally protected for greasy pores and skin, too. However in case you’re acne-prone and see Octyl Palmitate within the prime 5 elements on the label, run away!
Associated: What Skincare Elements Are Comedogenic?
Octyl Palmitate Aspect Results
Breakouts apart, Octyl Palmitate is protected for everybody, together with delicate pores and skin and pregnant ladies. Certain, it could trigger irritations in excessive concentrations (40-50%), however that’s not a difficulty in skincare merchandise. The concentrations are a lot decrease there.
The Backside Line
Octyl Palmitate makes pores and skin softer and smoother and enhances the feel and really feel of skincare merchandise. It’s protected for everybody, however can clog pores and trigger pimples in acne-prone pores and skin.
About Gio
Hello, I am Gio. I am a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is pores and skin coach and author on a mission that will help you obtain your greatest pores and skin day ever – each day. I bust skincare myths and debunk advertising jargon that will help you work out what’s well worth the splurge and what’s greatest left on the shelf – utilizing science, not hype. I additionally provide skincare consultations that will help you create the perfect skincare routine in your distinctive wants.
