Is Ethylhexyl palmitate safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kids(Babies-specific data is limited; this page draws from human pregnant context.) Pregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Ethylhexyl palmitate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
What is ethylhexyl palmitate?
The IUPAC name is 2-ethylhexyl hexadecanoate.
Also known as: 2-ethylhexyl hexadecanoate, octyl palmitate, Methyl undec-10-enoate, METHYL 10-UNDECENOATE.
- IUPAC name
- 2-ethylhexyl hexadecanoate
- CAS number
- 29806-73-3
- Molecular formula
- C24H48O2
- Molecular weight
- 360.63 g/mol
- SMILES
- COC(=O)CCCCCCCCC=C
- PubChem CID
- 8138
Risk for babies
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Ethylhexyl palmitate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Ethylhexyl palmitate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Ethylhexyl palmitate. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU_Cosmetics_Regulation | — | — | Approved cosmetic ingredient; no concentration limit |
| FDA_OTC | — | — | Approved for cosmetic use; biocompatible and safe |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter ethylhexyl palmitate
- sunscreen
- moisturizer
- body_lotion
- foundation
- lip_balm
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Ethylhexyl palmitate:
-
Plant-derived oils with established safety profiles (jojoba, squalane, shea butter)
Trade-offs: Consumer preference for 'natural' label; many natural fragrance compounds are potent allergens (limonene, linalool, eugenol); 'natural' ≠ 'safe'; often more expensive than synthetic equivalents.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
-
Ceramide-based formulations (biomimetic skin barrier repair)
Trade-offs: Alternative emollient; skin feel, spreadability, and occlusion properties differ; comedogenicity should be assessed for facial use; stability in final formulation needs verification.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
Glycerin-based humectant systems as partial replacement
Trade-offs: Direct chemical substitution requires verification that the replacement does not introduce new hazards (regrettable substitution). Conduct full hazard assessment of proposed alternative before adoption.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
What products contain ethylhexyl palmitate?
Ethylhexyl palmitate appears in: sunscreen; moisturizer; body lotion.
See Ethylhexyl palmitate in the baby app
Look up products containing ethylhexyl palmitate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- PubChem Compound CID 8138 — database
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 29806-73-3 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →