Isopropyl Palmitate: Comedogenic Rating & Safety Profile
Also known as: IPP · Propan-2-yl hexadecanoate
A synthetic ester used to give creams and lotions a dry, silky slip. Highly comedogenic — best avoided in leave-on facial products if you are acne-prone.
Quick facts about Isopropyl Palmitate
Moderate Risk
0 = won't clog pores · 5 = highly pore-clogging
Low Risk
0 = inert · 5 = often irritating
Emollients
Yes — generally safe
Yes
IPP, Propan-2-yl hexadecanoate
Quick verdict
Isopropyl Palmitate is a emollient with a moderate risk comedogenic profile (4/5) and low risk irritancy (1/5). A synthetic ester used to give creams and lotions a dry, silky slip. Highly comedogenic — best avoided in leave-on facial products if you are acne-prone.
What is Isopropyl Palmitate?
Isopropyl palmitate (IPP) is a synthetic ester made by combining isopropyl alcohol with palmitic acid (a saturated fatty acid). It is a close chemical cousin of isopropyl myristate and is used for the same reason — to give heavy creams and butters a dry, silky slip that feels luxurious on the skin. Its drawback is also identical: a 4/5 comedogenic rating that makes it a poor choice for acne-prone facial skin.
Comedogenic Rating: What 4/5 Means for Your Skin
Isopropyl palmitate is rated 4/5 comedogenic. The fatty-acid backbone forms semi-solid plugs in follicles, particularly with daily leave-on use. People with no acne tendencies often tolerate it without issue, but acne-prone, oily and combination skin should avoid it in any leave-on facial product.
Benefits for skin
- Improves spreadability of heavy oils and butters
- Acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients
- Lightweight, non-greasy after-feel
Potential side effects & who should avoid it
Irritancy is low (1/5). The main practical concern is acne — both classic comedonal and fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis), which thrives on saturated fatty-acid esters.
Best for
- Dry body skin
- Hair products
Avoid if
- Acne-prone facial skin
- Combination skin
- Oily skin
- Fungal acne sufferers
How to use Isopropyl Palmitate safely
Acceptable in body products for non-acne-prone skin. Avoid in leave-on facial products if you break out easily. Scan the ingredient list — anything in the top half of the INCI list is high-concentration.
Commonly found in
Isopropyl palmitate is in body lotions, sunscreens, deodorants, makeup primers, foundations and many 'lightweight' or 'fast-absorbing' products.
Found Isopropyl Palmitate in your skincare?
Paste the full ingredient list into our INCI Analyser to see how this ingredient interacts with everything else in the formula.
Frequently asked questions
Is isopropyl palmitate comedogenic?
Is isopropyl palmitate safe for sensitive or acne-prone skin?
Can I use isopropyl palmitate every day?
What can I use instead of isopropyl palmitate?
Other emollients to know
Shea Butter
A rich, vitamin-packed plant butter from the African shea tree. Deeply emollient and softening, it's a classic ingredient for dry, mature and sensitive skin.
Isopropyl Myristate
A synthetic ester used to give products a dry, non-greasy slip. Despite its pleasant feel, it is one of the most pore-clogging ingredients in cosmetics.
Capric Triglyceride
A lightweight, refined fraction of coconut and palm fatty acids. Despite its origin, it is far less comedogenic than whole coconut oil.
Ceramides
Lipid molecules that make up roughly 50% of the skin's outer barrier. Topical ceramides replace what's lost through ageing, over-cleansing or inflammation.
Want the full picture on pore-clogging ingredients? Read our complete guide to comedogenic ingredients for the dermatology research behind the 0–5 scale and the full list of high-risk ingredients to avoid.
Sources
Written by ScanSkinAI Cosmetic Science Team · Last updated June 2026
This information is for educational purposes only. Always patch-test new products and consult a dermatologist if you have specific skin concerns.