Cetyl palmitate

• BPCetyl Palmitate
• Ph. Eur.Cetyl Palmitate
• USP–NFCetyl Palmitate

cetylis palmitas; hexadecyl hexadecanoate; hexadecyl palmitate; palmitic acid hexadecyl ester; synthetic spermaceti; Crodamol CP; Cutina CP

Hexadecyl hexadecanoate · [540-10-3]

UNII 5ZA2S6B08X · PubChem CID 10889

C32H64O2 · 480.85

Semi-solid base, emollient

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Semi-solid

A wax ester used in topical creams, ointments and lotions as an emollient, consistency-giving agent and pearlising agent, typically at about 1–10%. It is also used as a solid lipid in solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, in suppositories, and in cosmetics such as lipsticks.

White or almost white, waxy flakes, plates or powder with a faint odour.

Melting range

about 46–54 °C, depending on grade and composition

Composition

mainly the ester of cetyl alcohol with palmitic acid, with esters of other C14–C18 fatty acids and alcohols

Solubility

practically insoluble in water; soluble in boiling ethanol, methylene chloride and light petroleum; slightly soluble in cold ethanol

Polymorphism

can crystallise in more than one form; the form present affects drug loading and expulsion in lipid nanoparticles

Stable; as a saturated ester it is resistant to oxidation and does not become rancid readily. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents; it may be hydrolysed by strong acids and alkalis.

Prepared by esterification of cetyl alcohol with palmitic acid, both usually of vegetable origin. Historically it was the main constituent of spermaceti obtained from the sperm whale, which it has replaced.

Used widely in cosmetics and topical medicines and regarded as non-toxic and non-irritant to the skin.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled. Eye protection and gloves are recommended; take care with the molten material.

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (topical preparations) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe; widely used in cosmetics.

Cetyl esters wax; cetyl alcohol; palmitic acid; isopropyl palmitate; white wax.

Cetyl palmitate gives creams a smooth, non-greasy feel and body without the stickiness of beeswax. In lipid nanoparticles its highly ordered crystal lattice tends to limit drug loading and may expel drug on storage, so it is often blended with a liquid oil to form nanostructured lipid carriers.