Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Octyl Palmitate, Cetyl Palmitate and Isopropyl Palmitate

Abstract

The Palmitates used in cosmetic products are esters of palmitic acid and octyl, cetyl, or isopropyl alcohol. The acute oral LD50 is estimated from studies with rats to be greater than 14.4 g/kg for Cetyl Palmitate and greater than 64.0 g/kg for Octyl and Isopropyl Palmitates. Acute studies with rabbits showed no evidence of dermal toxicity for any of the Palmitates. Isopropyl Palmitate was “well tolerated” and Octyl Palmitate was nontoxic in separate subchronic dermal studies. Rabbit skin tests with the Palmitates showed that they are nonirritating and nonsensitizing. Also, Draize rabbit eye irritation tests on the Palmitates produced either no or only very slight ocular irritation. One of three formulations containing Octyl Palmitate at concentrations between 40% and 50% produced mild irritation. Formulations containing Cetyl Palmitate at concentration of 2.7% were minimally irritating and produced no signs of sensitization, phototoxicity, or photo contact allergenicity. A formulation containing 45.6% Isopropyl Palmitate produced no signs of irritation, sensitization, phototoxicity, or photo contact allergenicity. From the available information, it is concluded that Octyl Palmitate, Cetyl Palmitate, and Isopropyl Palmitate are safe as cosmetic ingredients in the present practices of use and concentration.