- Comedogenic
- 4 / 5
- Irritancy
- 1 / 5
- Fungal acne
- Trigger
- Type
- Synthetic ester
- INCI name
- Ethylhexyl Palmitate
- Also listed as
- Octyl Palmitate, 2-ethylhexyl Hexadecanoate
Who should avoid it?
Avoid in leave-on face products if you have oily, combination or acne-prone skin. It is usually fine on the body, in rinse-off products, or on very dry skin that does not break out.
Non-comedogenic swaps
| Swap to | Rating | Fungal acne |
|---|---|---|
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 1/5 | Safe |
| Dimethicone | 1/5 | Safe |
Fungal-acne safe ingredients list
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate comedogenic?
Yes, it is pore-clogging. Ethylhexyl Palmitate has a comedogenic rating of 4 out of 5. A very common emollient in sunscreens and foundations that often hides in "oil-free" formulas.
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate safe for fungal acne?
No. Ethylhexyl Palmitate can feed Malassezia yeast, so people with fungal acne usually avoid it.
Does Ethylhexyl Palmitate cause acne?
It can. Ingredients rated 3–5 are frequently linked to clogged pores and breakouts in acne-prone people, especially in leave-on products.
What are other names for Ethylhexyl Palmitate?
On labels it can also appear as Octyl Palmitate or 2-ethylhexyl Hexadecanoate.