Cetyl Palmitate

I. Basic Information

Cetyl Palmitate, also known as cetyl palmitate ester, is a white waxy solid with the molecular formula C₃₂H₆₆O₂. It is a fatty acid ester composed of palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol, and is insoluble in water but soluble in ether, chloroform and other organic solvents.

II. Physical & Chemical Properties

• ‌Physical Properties‌: It has a melting point of about 45-50℃ and a relative density of 0.83-0.85. It is odorless or has a faint characteristic odor, and has good stability under normal temperature and pressure.

• ‌Chemical Properties‌: It is chemically stable and not easily decomposed. It can undergo hydrolysis under acidic or alkaline conditions to generate palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol. It has good compatibility with other fats and oils.

III. Production Methods

• ‌Direct Esterification Method‌: Mix palmitic acid and cetyl alcohol in a certain proportion, add an acidic catalyst (such as sulfuric acid), and heat and reflux the mixture under reflux conditions. After the reaction is completed, neutralize, wash and distill to obtain cetyl palmitate.

• ‌** Transesterification Method**‌: Use triglycerides (such as palm oil) and cetyl alcohol as raw materials, add a catalyst (such as sodium methoxide), and carry out transesterification reaction under high temperature and high pressure. Then separate and purify to obtain the product.

IV. Applications

• ‌Cosmetics Industry‌: It is widely used in creams, lotions, foundations and other cosmetic products. It can act as an emollient to soften the skin, and also as an emulsifier to stabilize the emulsion system.

• ‌Pharmaceutical Industry‌: It can be used as a base for ointments and suppositories, and also as a coating material for tablets to control the release rate of drugs.

• ‌Other Industries‌: It can be used as a lubricant additive in the plastics industry, and as a component of candles to improve the combustion performance and appearance of candles.

V. Application Cases

• ‌Cosmetic Case‌: In a certain moisturizing cream, 5%-10% of cetyl palmitate is added. It can form a lipid film on the surface of the skin, reduce the loss of skin moisture, and make the skin feel smooth and non-sticky.

• ‌Pharmaceutical Case‌: In a sustained-release tablet of a certain analgesic drug, cetyl palmitate is used as a coating material. It can make the drug slowly release in the gastrointestinal tract, prolong the duration of action of the drug, and reduce the frequency of dosing.

Shanghai Better Chemical Co., Ltd. was established in 2005‌, specializing in ‌fatty alcohols, fatty acids, glycerin, white oil, and petroleum jelly‌. These products serve a wide range of industries, including ‌personal care, flavor & fragrance, textiles, plastics, food, pharmaceuticals, stationery, construction, and coatings‌. With ‌21 years of professional experience‌, the company has earned consistent recognition across the industry and established partnerships with ‌over 4,000 clients‌. It maintains a skilled technical team, efficient warehouse operations, high-quality pre- and after-sales services, and lightning-fast logistics. We look forward to collaborating with you. For inquiries, please call: ‌+86 21 5102 9963.