What Is Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate?
Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate is a plant or animal derived lipid that combines glycerin, a skin friendly moisturizing agent, with two units of palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid naturally present in many oils. Chemically it is the diester of 7 hexadecenoic acid and glycerol, which gives it a buttery texture and a high affinity for skin lipids.
The cosmetic industry began exploring this ingredient in the late 1990s when formulators looked for alternatives to mineral oil based emollients. They wanted something that felt lighter, absorbed better and could be sourced from renewable materials. By esterifying glycerin with palmitoleic acid under controlled heat and vacuum, chemists produced Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate, a stable molecule that still carries the skin comforting traits of its parent ingredients.
Today the ingredient shows up in rich creams, overnight masks, lip balms, anti aging blends and soothing after sun lotions. It gives these formulas a smooth glide and a cushiony feel without leaving a heavy residue.
Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
The main role of Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate in cosmetics is as an emollient. It fills tiny gaps in the skin surface, creating a soft, even layer that locks in moisture. This leads to smoother skin, improved suppleness and a plush application experience for the user.
Who Can Use Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate
This emollient suits most skin types, especially dry or mature skin that needs extra softness and moisture retention. Normal and combination skin can also benefit thanks to its light, non-greasy feel. Oily or acne-prone skin usually tolerates it well, though very occlusive formulas containing high percentages of fatty esters might feel heavy for some users.
Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate can be sourced from plant or animal fats. Brands that advertise the ingredient as vegan typically obtain it from vegetable oils like olive or macadamia, so vegans and vegetarians should check product labels or contact the manufacturer for confirmation of the raw material origin.
No data links this ingredient to hormonal disruption, so products containing it are generally considered low-risk for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This is not medical advice, and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should discuss new skincare products with a qualified healthcare provider first.
The molecule does not absorb UV light and is not known to cause photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential outcomes, not the typical experience. When used at normal concentrations in well-formulated products most people enjoy Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate without issues.
- Mild irritation or transient redness on very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with a specific sensitivity to fatty acid esters
- Clogged pores or breakouts if used in rich, occlusive formulas on acne-prone skin
- Stinging or eye watering if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any discomfort, rash or persistent reaction occurs stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 2–3 out of 5. Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate is a fatty acid ester so it has some potential to sit in pores yet its fluid texture and partial unsaturation make it less likely to clog than heavier waxes or butters. Most formulas use it at modest levels where it blends with lighter oils and silicones which further lowers the risk.
Generally suitable for acne-prone skin when used in lightweight or rinse-off products but highly occlusive balms with a large percentage of this ester might trigger breakouts in some users.
Formulation style matters. When paired with fast-spreading esters or non-comedogenic oils the overall product can still rate low on the pore-clogging scale despite this ingredient’s mid-range score.
Summary
Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate is an emollient that fills micro-gaps on the skin surface to trap water and leave a smooth velvet finish. Its glycerin backbone attracts light moisture while the palmitoleic acid tails mimic natural skin lipids so it melts in easily and boosts softness.
The ingredient enjoys quiet popularity in lip care masks and rich night creams rather than mass-market lotions which explains why it may not be a household name. Formulators value its cushiony feel and renewable sourcing so you will spot it more often in mid to high-end moisturizers.
Safety data show a low irritation profile and no links to hormonal disruption or photosensitivity. Still every skin is unique so patch testing any new product is the simplest way to make sure Glyceryl Dipalmitoleate plays nicely with your complexion.