Is Cetyl Palmitate vegan?

Cetyl Palmitate

Unconfirmed

A wax ester that is the principal component of spermaceti, historically obtained from the head cavities of the sperm whale. Today it is commonly produced synthetically or from plant-derived cetyl alcohol and palmitic acid. It is used in cosmetics as an emollient and emulsifier.

Also known as Hexadecyl hexadecanoate, Hexadecyl palmitate, Palmityl palmitate, Spermaceti wax ester
CAS number 540-10-3
EC number 208-736-6
Last reviewed 16 April 2026

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