Chemical Properties
Clear colorless liquid
Chemical Properties
Isopropyl palmitate is a clear, colorless to pale yellow-colored,
practically odorless viscous liquid that solidifies at less than 16°C.
Definition
ChEBI: A fatty acid ester obtained by the formal condensation of carboxy group of palmitic acid with propan-2-ol. Metabolite observed in cancer metabolism.
Production Methods
Isopropyl palmitate is prepared by the reaction of palmitic acid with
propan-2-ol in the presence of an acid catalyst. A high-purity
material is also commercially available, which is produced by
enzymatic esterification at low temperatures.
General Description
Isopropyl palmitate is an analog of isopropyl myristate and an aliphatic ester used as a flavoring ingredient in food industry. It is one of the volatile compounds found in Psidium salutare fruits and boiled buckwheat flour.
Pharmaceutical secondary standards for application in quality control, provide pharma laboratories and manufacturers with a convenient and cost-effective alternative to the preparation of in-house working standards.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Isopropyl palmitate is a nongreasy emollient with good spreading
characteristics, used in topical pharmaceutical formulations and
cosmetics such as: bath oils; creams; lotions; make-up; hair care
products; deodorants; lip products; suntan preparations; and
pressed powders.
Isopropyl palmitate is an established penetration enhancer for
transdermal systems. It has also been used in controlled-release
percutaneous films.
Table I: Uses of isopropyl palmitate
Side effects
Side effects for the skin: If overused, isopropyl palmitate may cause acne, blackheads, whiteheads, and clogged pores. Depending on the content of the ingredients in the product, the skin may experience some irritation. If isopropyl palmitate is used without dilution, it may cause comedoles. People with oily skin should also avoid isopropyl palmitate.
Side effects for hair: Excessive use of products containing isopropyl palmitate on hair can make hair look untidy, oily, and untidy due to excessive moisture in the hair. When there is an open wound on the scalp, isopropyl palmitate should also be avoided.
Safety
Isopropyl palmitate is widely used in cosmetics and topical
pharmaceutical formulations, and is generally regarded as a
relatively nontoxic and nonirritant material.
LD50 (mouse, IP): 0.1 g/kg
storage
Isopropyl palmitate is resistant to oxidation and hydrolysis, and
does not become rancid. It should be stored in a well-closed
container, above 16°C, and protected from light.
Regulatory Status
Included in the FDA Inactive Ingredients Database (topical and
transdermal preparations). Used in nonparenteral medicines
licensed in the UK. Included in the Canadian List of Acceptable
Non-medicinal Ingredients.
