Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 4/5 — Likely to clog pores
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky slip and cushiony feel. In cosmetics it is typically found in moisturizers, foundations, lipsticks, primers and sunscreens. On a label it may also appear as octyl palmitate.
| Comedogenic rating | 4/5 — Likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Ester |
| Also known as | octyl palmitate |
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate comedogenic?
Yes — Ethylhexyl Palmitate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Ethylhexyl Palmitate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Ethylhexyl Palmitate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Ethylhexyl Palmitate if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Ethylhexyl Palmitate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
Safer alternatives to Ethylhexyl Palmitate
How Ethylhexyl Palmitate compares to other esters
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Butyl Stearate | 3/5 | Likely |
| Decyl Oleate | 3/5 | Likely |
| Isocetyl Stearate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate comedogenic?
Yes — Ethylhexyl Palmitate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Ethylhexyl Palmitate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Ethylhexyl Palmitate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Ethylhexyl Palmitate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Ethylhexyl Palmitate safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Ethylhexyl Palmitate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Ethylhexyl Palmitate found in?
Ethylhexyl Palmitate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky slip and cushiony feel, and is commonly found in moisturizers, foundations, lipsticks, primers and sunscreens.
What can I use instead of Ethylhexyl Palmitate?
Lower-risk swaps include Squalane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, all of which rate lower on the comedogenic scale.
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