Isopropyl palmitate

• BPIsopropyl Palmitate
• Ph. Eur.Isopropyl Palmitate
• USP–NFIsopropyl Palmitate

Crodamol IPP; IPP; isopropyl hexadecanoate; 1-methylethyl hexadecanoate; palmitic acid isopropyl ester; Tegosoft P

1-Methylethyl hexadecanoate · [142-91-6]

UNII 8CRQ2TH63M · PubChem CID 8907

C19H38O2 · 298.51

Semi-solid base, emollient, Penetration enhancer

Typical concentrations: — · Dosage forms: Semi-solid

An emollient, oleaginous vehicle and solvent used in topical creams, lotions, ointments and bath oils, and as a penetration enhancer in topical and transdermal formulations. It gives a light, non-greasy feel and improves spreading, and is widely used in cosmetics, including as a binder in pressed powders.

A clear, colourless to pale yellow, practically odourless, oily liquid that solidifies on cooling. It consists mainly of the isopropyl ester of palmitic acid, together with esters of other fatty acids such as stearic and myristic acids.

Density

≈ 0.85 g/cm³ at 20 °C

Refractive index

≈ 1.435–1.438 at 20 °C

Physical state

liquid at room temperature; becomes cloudy and solidifies at low temperatures (around 13–15 °C)

Solubility

soluble in acetone, chloroform, ethanol, ethyl acetate, mineral oil and vegetable oils; practically insoluble in glycerin, propylene glycol and water

Resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis and does not become rancid. Store in a well-closed container in a cool, dry place, protected from light.

Incompatible with strong oxidising agents. Like other fatty acid esters, it can swell rubber and some plastics, so compatibility with packaging components should be checked.

Prepared by esterifying palmitic acid with propan-2-ol in the presence of an acid catalyst, followed by purification.

Widely used in cosmetics and topical medicines and regarded as non-toxic and non-irritant at the concentrations normally used; some tests have suggested comedogenic potential.

Observe normal precautions for the quantity handled; eye protection and gloves are recommended. Spills are slippery.

Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredient Database (topical and transdermal preparations) and in non-parenteral medicines licensed in Europe.

Isopropyl myristate; cetyl palmitate; ethyl oleate; octyldodecanol.

Isopropyl palmitate is slightly more viscous and less volatile than isopropyl myristate and the two are often interchangeable. Pharmacopoeial grades specify a minimum content of isopropyl palmitate in the ester fraction, so the composition of cosmetic grades may differ.