Cetyl palmitate benefits for lips.

Cetyl palmitate helps soften and smooth skin while creating a barrier that locks in moisture.

So you’re probably here because you saw Cetyl Palmitate listed as an ingredient in your lip balm and are wondering what on earth it is thinking things like:

It sounds like maybe it’s from a palm tree. But maybe it isn’t, I mean, what is cetyl? Is it a natural ingredient or is it fake? Who knows? Really, I just want to make sure it’s ok to use on my lip.

Well, good thing you’re here.

Cetyl Palmitate is a fatty acid derived from palm oil.

There you go, you were pretty close with the palm trees.

Anyway, Cetyl Palmitate is an excellent emollient and is used as a thickening agent in many cosmetic products like lip balm, lipsticks, and lip glosses. When applied to lips, it helps seal in moisture and provides a smooth, soft texture while conditioning dry, chapped lips.

If that’s not enough, keep reading to find out more!

Is cetyl palmitate natural or synthetic?

Cetyl palmitate is a natural ingredient found in plants and animals but can also be manufactured.

Cetyl Palmitate is a natural substance and was originally found in the heads of sperm whales. Naturally, getting cetyl palmitate from sperm whales isn't a sustainable or ethical way to acquire it. It's also found in some corals, but destroying coral reefs isn't an appropriate way to source cetyl palmitate either.

Luckily, cetyl palmitate is also found in plants or can be manufactured. When it's made, cetyl palmitate is a pure vegetable lipid ester derived from cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid.

Due to the concerns around animal-based sourcing, we use manufactured, plant-based cetyl palmitate in our lip balm products so we're not promoting unethical practices.

Is cetyl palmitate good for my lips?

Cetyl palmitate is an ideal ingredient for those with dry lips as it creates a lipid barrier that locks in moisture and keeps lips hydrated. And it's also known to help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

The best way to get the most out of cetyl palmitate is to use it with other beneficial ingredients like antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid. Look for products containing cetyl palmitate and other lip-specific ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, or jojoba oil. These will help to nourish, protect, and condition your lips all at the same time.