Palm Oil

Palm Oil

Palm Oil is a plant-derived vegetable oil obtained from the fruit of the oil palm tree, Elaeis guineensis. Cosmetic-grade palm oil is produced through mechanical pressing of the palm fruit, followed by refining processes such as degumming, bleaching, and deodorization to improve color, odor, and stability while maintaining functional lipid properties. The manufacturing process does not involve ethoxylation or petrochemical modification. Palm Oil is widely used in cosmetic and personal care formulations due to its balanced fatty acid profile, natural semi-solid consistency, and formulation versatility.

From a formulation standpoint, Palm Oil functions as an emollient, structuring lipid, and consistency modifier. Its natural balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids allows it to contribute body and stability to oil phases while still providing skin-conditioning benefits. Palm Oil is commonly used in anhydrous systems, emulsions, soaps, and cleansing bars, where it supports firmness, foam structure in saponified products, and overall product integrity. Its performance is influenced by refinement level, fractionation (if applicable), and total oil-phase composition.

In finished products, Palm Oil delivers a rich, nourishing skin feel with moderate occlusivity. At lower concentrations, it enhances body and emolliency without excessive heaviness, while higher usage levels contribute to firmer textures and improved structural stability. It is frequently used in body butters, balms, soaps, cleansing bars, creams, and lotions where durability, consistency, and cost efficiency are important considerations.

From a clean standards and safety perspective, Palm Oil has a long history of cosmetic use and broad global regulatory acceptance. It is biodegradable and generally well tolerated for topical use. Clean positioning is highly dependent on sourcing practices, with responsibly sourced and certified sustainable palm oil supporting alignment with modern clean beauty, environmental responsibility, and ingredient transparency standards.

Ingredient Identification

INCI Name: Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
CAS Number: 8002-75-3

Physical & Technical Properties

Appearance: Semi-solid at room temperature
Odor: Mild, characteristic
Melting Point: Approximately 35–39 °C
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and oil phases
Functional Role: Emollient, structuring lipid, consistency agent

Typical Usage Levels (Skincare & Personal Care Applications)

Body Butters and Balms: 5–30%
Creams and Lotions: 2–15%
Soaps and Cleansing Bars: 10–40%
Anhydrous Skincare Products: 5–25%

Actual usage levels vary based on desired firmness, sensory profile, and formulation design.

DIY Education and Formulation Guidance

For DIY formulators, Palm Oil is easy to work with and provides natural structure without the need for synthetic thickeners. It should be melted fully into the oil phase to ensure uniform texture. Palm Oil contributes firmness quickly, so incremental adjustments are recommended when fine-tuning hardness or viscosity.

In soap making, Palm Oil is valued for producing hard bars with stable lather. In emulsions, it is typically paired with appropriate emulsifiers and may be blended with softer oils to balance spreadability and skin feel.

Formulation Compatibility & Common Combinations

Palm Oil is compatible with a wide range of vegetable oils, butters, waxes, emulsifiers, and surfactants. It is often blended with liquid oils such as sunflower or almond oil to soften texture, or combined with harder waxes and butters to enhance firmness. Fractionated palm derivatives may be used to further customize performance.

Shelf Life, Storage, and Packaging

Shelf Life: Typically 18–24 months depending on refinement and antioxidant system
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry environment away from direct heat
Packaging Recommendations: HDPE containers, lined pails, or sealed drums
Handling Notes: Melt gently to avoid localized overheating

Regulatory & Safety Notes

Regulatory Status: Approved for cosmetic use globally, including the United States and European Union
California Proposition 65: Not listed
EWG Context: Generally categorized as low hazard based on available data
Irritation and Sensitization: Generally well tolerated for topical cosmetic use
Clean Beauty Compatibility: Plant-derived and biodegradable; sustainability and certification status influence clean positioning