What it is
Dextrin palmitate/ethylhexanoate is an ester of dextrin (a starch-derived carbohydrate) with palmitic and ethylhexanoic acids. It is a lipophilic gelling and thickening agent that turns liquid oils into structured gels, which helps suspend pigments and UV filters and improves the texture and stability of oil phases. It is commonly used in Japanese sunscreen formulas to refine feel.
Safety & warnings
This oil-phase gelling ester is generally well tolerated and not associated with significant irritation or sensitization at use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Semi-synthetic; made by esterifying dextrin, derived from starch, with palmitic acid and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.
Questions everyone asks
What does this ingredient do?
It thickens and gels the oil phase of a formula, helping to suspend UV filters and pigments and giving a more uniform, stable texture.
Is it natural or synthetic?
It is semi-synthetic: a starch-derived dextrin backbone chemically esterified with fatty acids.