Ingredient Dictionary/isopropyl-palmitate/ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
Tier 1 Monograph · SSOT 15 FieldsRaw .md (GEO) ↗
Synthetic

ISOPROPYL PALMITATE

FragranceBinderEmollient
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR

What is ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (CAS 142-91-6) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?

ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (CAS No. 142-91-6) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as Fragrance, Binder, Emollient in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Unregulated) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Unregulated) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 2–30% within an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.

7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix

Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation
7-Track Official Statutory Label Names for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
Jurisdiction TrackOfficial Statutory Label NameOne-Click Copy
1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name)ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (KR MFDS Registered)
2. Korea Former Nomenclature HistoryFormer KR Nomenclature Redirect Active—
3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary)ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI)ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name— (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC)—
6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name)棕榈酸异丙酯
7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug)ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (Standard INCI Reference)

Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions

Layer 1 Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
RegionStatusMax LimitConditions & Statutory Source
Korea (MFDS)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
Europe (EU)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
United States (FDA)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
China (NMPA)Listed / AllowedGMPIECIC Entry #8718
Japan (MHLW)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
ASEAN (ACD)UnregulatedGMPListed in official cosmetic inventory
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Interactive Quartile Box-Plot (Min–Q1–Median–Q3–Max)

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit

Anhydrous Balm / Oiln=7
Min 2% · Q1 4% · Median 5% · Q3 8% · Max 30%
Emulsion / Creamn=28
Min 0.4% · Q1 4% · Median 4.85% · Q3 7% · Max 12%
Sunscreen / Colorn=5
Min 2% · Q1 2% · Median 3% · Q3 7% · Max 7%
Anhydrous Balm / Oil — Anhydrous balm, oil & stick structural emollient
Verified Source: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=7, EVONIK 5 · ELEMENTIS 1 · GRANT 1) (cir_safety) · EVONIK 5 · ELEMENTIS 1 · GRANT 1
Typical Median: 5%

Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility

Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Quartiles by Product Category for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
Formulation GroupMin – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%)Role & MechanismSource ID
Group E — Anhydrous Oil / Stick Balm / Lip Care2% · 4% · 5% · 8% · 30%Anhydrous balm, oil & stick structural emollientGlobal Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=7, EVONIK 5 · ELEMENTIS 1 · GRANT 1)
Group B — O/W & W/O Emulsion / Lotion / Cream0.4% · 4% · 4.85% · 7% · 12%Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agentGlobal Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=28, EVONIK 28)
Group D — Sunscreen (UV) / Color Cosmetics / Foundation2% · 2% · 3% · 7% · 7%Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifierGlobal Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=5, EVONIK 4 · GRANT 1)
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: Macro/Complex · LogP: N/A

Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery

Stratum Corneum (Brick & Mortar Barrier · 10–20 µm)500 Da Molecular Weight Cutoff BarrierViable Epidermis (Keratinocytes & Melanocytes · 50–100 µm)Target for Brightening (Tyrosinase/Melanosome) & Barrier LipidsPapillary Dermis (Fibroblasts & ECM Collagen · 150–300 µm)Target for Collagen I/III Synthesis, Peptides, PDRN & ExosomesEpidermal Passive Permeation (<500 Da)
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (320 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible

Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.

Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability

pH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior

Water or glycol phase soluble/dispersible
Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.0 – 8.0
0245.5791114

Outside pH 4–8, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.

Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 50°C
25°C45°C60°C75°C85°C100°C

Thermally stable up to 50°C during standard emulsification.

HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
W/O (3–6)Lamellar (8–10.5)O/W Emulsion (11–15)Solubilizer (15–19)O/W Droplet
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway

Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow

1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→
TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣
Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis
Formulation Ontology Radial Graph

Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)

+ GLYCERIN+ CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TR…+ TOCOPHEROL✕ Verify phase compati…ISOPROPYL PALMITATE
Interactive Node Guide

Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.

Nominative Trade Name References (Trademark Act Art. 90(1)(2))
ISOPROPYL PALMITATE

Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Academic & Toxicological Synthesis

Tier 1 Synthesis

Synthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.

■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature] - INCI Name: ISOPROPYL PALMITATE | CAS No.: 142-91-6 | EC No.: 205-571-1 - Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: , , - Physicochemical Profile: Formula | MW /(Polymer/Complex) | / | Ionic Nature: non-ionic | CosIng/MFDS - Official Regional Label Names: US [ISOPROPYL PALMITATE] · EU [ISOPROPYL PALMITATE] · CN [棕榈酸异丙酯] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-] ■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role] - ISOPROPYL PALMITATE functions primarily as , , in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver , , performance and structural formulation stability. ■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)] - Regional Summary: KR: NONE | EU: NONE | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 8718 (棕榈酸异丙酯)) - No specific Annex prohibition or numeric restriction across the 6 major jurisdictions (Permitted under general GMP safety assessment). - Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): Quantum satis (QS) within standard cosmetic safety margins ■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)] - [anhydrous_balm] Typical range: 2.0 ~ 30.0% (Median 5.0%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=7, EVONIK 5 · ELEMENTIS 1 · GRANT 1)) — Anhydrous balm, oil & stick structural emollient - [emulsion_cream] Typical range: 0.4 ~ 12.0% (Median 4.85%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=28, EVONIK 28)) — Emulsion cream & lotion structural / conditioning agent - [sun_color] Typical range: 2.0 ~ 7.0% (Median 3.0%, Ref: Global Starter Formulation Library Statistical Distribution (n=5, EVONIK 4 · GRANT 1)) — Sun care & color cosmetics dispersion / sensory modifier ■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)] - Addition Phase: Water Phase or Cool-down Phase (< 45°C) - Optimal pH Range: pH 4.0 ~ 8.0 | Max Process Temp: Max 50°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: MEDIUM - Incompatibility / Caution: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads - Synergy Pairings: GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL | Reference Trade Names: ISOPROPYL PALMITATE ■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence] - PMID 29318715 (2018, J Cosmet Dermatol): Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acid. - PMID 27169828 (2016, Int J Cosmet Sci): Determination and confirmation of isopropyl p-toluenesulfonate in cosmetics by HPLC-diode array detector method and GC-M - PMID 36878583 (2023, J Oleo Sci): Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of W/O Nanoemulsions for the Skin Permeation of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid.

Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (4)

Comparative evaluation of skin moisture after topical application of 10% and 30% lactobionic acid. [PMID: 29318715 · 2018]
Algiert-Zieli&#x144;ska B, Mucha P, Rotsztejn H · J Cosmet Dermatol (2018)

Dry skin is characterized by symptoms such as itching, redness, excessive exfoliation. These symptoms cause discomfort and contribute to secondary bacterial infections. Dry skin treatments are based on topical applications of various formulations. Among many of them are polyhydroxy acids, which recently gained more attention. The aim of this study was a comparative assessment of hydration level (corneometric) after application of lactobionic acid (LA) in the form of peel at concentrations of 10% and 30%. The study involved 10 Caucasian individuals aged 26-73 years. Eight treatments were performed at weekly intervals. The peels were applied using the "Split face" method-on the left side of the face 10% LA, and the right side 30% LA which consisted of specified concentration of LA, deionized water, xanthan gum, ethoxydiglycol. The test subjects received a 5% LA cream for overnight use. The cream consisted of deionized water, LA, isopropyl palmitate, ascorbyl palmitate, methylparaben. The products for this study were provided by Grehen Ltd. Celestyn&#xf3;w, Poland. Prior to each procedure, the skin hydration level was measured using Corneometer CM 825 from Courage + Khazaka electronic GmbH. There was a statistically significant improvement in hydration level after 8 treatments for all measuring points and both concentrations. The difference of the skin hydration level between 10% LA and 30% LA could not be determined. Lactobionic acid is a highly moisturizing agent. There was no significant difference in moisturizing effect between 10% LA concentration and 30% LA concentration.

Determination and confirmation of isopropyl p-toluenesulfonate in cosmetics by HPLC-diode array detector method and GC-MS. [PMID: 27169828 · 2016]
Tay BY, Yung SC, Teoh TY · Int J Cosmet Sci (2016)

Isopropyl p-toluenesulfonate (IPTS) is a potentially genotoxic by-product formed during the esterification of palm oil-based palmitic and palm kernel oil-based myristic acid with isopropanol to produce isopropyl palmitate or isopropyl myristate. There are no methods described for the analysis of IPTS in cosmetic products. In this work, we have established a simple, precise and accurate method to determine the presence and level of IPTS in various finished cosmetic products which contain palm-based esters in their formulations. An Agilent 1200 series high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) unit using a diode-array detector (DAD) has been employed and optimized to detect IPTS in cosmetic products. For the separation, a reverse-phase Hypersil Gold C8 column (5&#xa0;&#x3bc;m, 4.6&#xa0;mm i.d. 250&#xa0;mm) 5&#xa0;mM tetrabutylammonium phosphate buffer 50&#xa0;:&#xa0;50, (v/v) solution in acetonitrile as mobile phase, in isocratic mode and a flow rate of 0.8&#xa0;mL&#xa0;min -1 were used. A second method using a gas chromatography/mass selective detector GC-MSD was also developed to confirm the IPTS identity in the cosmetic products. Recoveries of IPTS from cosmetic matrices such as a lotion, cleansing milk and a cream ranged from 94.0% to 101.1% with &lt;5% relative standard deviation (%RSD) showing good accuracy and repeatability of the method. The six-point calibration curves (determined over the range 0.5-50&#xa0;&#x3bc;g&#xa0;mL -1 ) have a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 (based on HPLC peak area) and 0.9998 (based on HPLC peak height). The intra- and interday precisions (measured by the %RSD) of the method were &lt;2% and &lt;5%, respectively, indicating that the developed method is reliable, precise and reproducible. The detection and quantification limit of the method were found to be 0.5&#xa0;&#x3bc;g&#xa0;mL -1 and 1.6&#xa0;&#x3bc;g&#xa0;mL -1 , respectively. Analyses of 83 commercial cosmetics showed no presence of IPTS. The validation data indicated that this method was suitable for the quantitative analysis of IPTS in commercial cosmetics. This method is applicable for analyses of trace levels of IPTS in cosmetics and has the advantage of using only simple sample preparation steps.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of W/O Nanoemulsions for the Skin Permeation of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid. [PMID: 36878583 · 2023]
Hisa M, Murayama M, Yasui M, Tokuoka Y · J Oleo Sci (2023)

We investigated the skin permeation of 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) through Yucatan micropig full-thickness skin by using ALA-loaded W/O nanoemulsions composed of Span/Tween/ethanol (EtOH)/isopropyl palmitate (IPP)/10 wt% aqueous ALA solution. The nanoemulsions were prepared using Span 20/Tween 20 (S20/T20), Span 80/Tween 80 (S80/T80), and Span 20/Tween 80 (S20/T80) mixed surfactant systems. Based on the results of the phase diagram study and hydrodynamic diameter measurement of the nanoemulsions, we decided that the optimal weight ratio of Span/Tween/EtOH/IPP/10 wt% aqueous ALA solution in the nanoemulsion was 0.8/0.2/14/19/1.4. The permeability coefficient of ALA in the S20/T80 system was approximately five times larger than those in the S20/T20 and S80/T80 systems. The high skin permeation of ALA afforded by the ALA-loaded W/O nanoemulsion in the S20/T80 system is attributable to a significant enhancement in the partitioning of ALA to the stratum corneum.

Percutaneous Absorption of Lorazepam, Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride, and Haloperidol from ABH Gel. [PMID: 32196480 · 2020]
Dahal A, Neupane R, Boddu SH, Renukuntla J, Khupse R, Dudley R · Int J Pharm Compd (2020)

The objective of this project was to study the percutaneous absorption of lorazepam, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and haloperidol from a topical Pluronic lecithin organogel, also known as ABH gel, across the porcine ear skin and verify its suitability for topical application. ABH gel was prepared using lecithin in isopropyl palmitate solution (1:1) as an oil phase and 20% w/v Poloxamer 407 solution as an aqueous phase. The gel was characterized for pH, viscosity, drug content, and thermal behavior. A robust high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for simultaneous analysis of lorazepam, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and haloperidol. The percutaneous absorption of lorazepam, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and haloperidol from ABH gel was carried out using Franz cells across the Strat-M membrane and pig ear skin. The pH of ABH gel was found to be 5.66 &#xb1; 0.13. The retention time of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, haloperidol, and lorazepam was found to be 5.2 minutes, 7.8 minutes, and 18.9 minutes, respectively. The ABH gel was found to be stable for up to 30 days. Theoretical steady state plasma concentrations (CSS) of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, haloperidol, and lorazepam calculated from flux values were found to be 1.6 ng/mL, 0.13 ng/mL, and 2.30 ng/mL, respectively. The theoretical CSS of diphenhydramine hydrochloride, haloperidol, and lorazepam were much lower than required therapeutic concentrations for antiemetic activity to relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. From the percutaneous absorption data, it was evident that ABH gel failed to achieve required systemic levels of lorazepam, diphenhydramine hydrochloride, and haloperidol following topical application.

Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)

Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE?
Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'ISOPROPYL PALMITATE', EU CosIng: 'ISOPROPYL PALMITATE', KR MFDS: 'ISOPROPYL PALMITATE (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '棕榈酸异丙酯', and JP JCIA: 'ISOPROPYL PALMITATE'.
Q2. Is ISOPROPYL PALMITATE restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: none, EU: none, US: none, CN: allowed, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE?
In anhydrous_balm systems, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE is typically formulated between 2% and 30% (median 5%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4–8.
Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for ISOPROPYL PALMITATE?
Recommended synergy pairings include GLYCERIN, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, TOCOPHEROL. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Verify phase compatibility under extreme pH or high electrolyte loads.