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Dextrin Palmitate

What Dextrin Palmitate is & what it does

A sugar-derived oil gellant that thickens oil phases and stabilizes pigments and filters. It helps build smooth, stable anhydrous and rich formulas.

What is Dextrin Palmitate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Dextrin Palmitate is a sugar-derived oil gellant and emollient. In a sunscreen it thickens the oil phase and helps stabilize pigments and UV filters, keeping them evenly dispersed so the product spreads smoothly and stays put. It is the kind of behind-the-scenes ingredient that gives mineral and stick formulas their smooth, stable texture.

Is Dextrin Palmitate safe?

Yes. Dextrin Palmitate is made from dextrin, a starch sugar, joined to palmitic acid, a common fatty acid. It is a mild, well-tolerated ingredient with no notable irritation concerns at the levels used in cosmetics. For most people it is a gentle texture-builder.

Does Dextrin Palmitate clog pores?

Generally no. It is used as a gelling agent in modest amounts to structure the oil phase rather than as a heavy facial oil, so it is an unlikely pore-clogging culprit for most people. If you are acne-prone and breaking out, the overall richness of a formula matters more than this single ingredient.

Is Dextrin Palmitate a thickener?

Yes, in a sense. Dextrin Palmitate is specifically an oil-phase thickener, or oil gellant, meaning it turns liquid oils into a thicker, more stable structure. This is different from water-phase thickeners like gums. In sunscreens it is valued for holding pigments and filters in a smooth, even film.

What is Dextrin Palmitate on an ingredient list (INCI)?

"Dextrin Palmitate" is the INCI name on the label. It is an ester of dextrin, a sugar from starch, and palmitic acid. It usually appears in the middle of the ingredient list among the emollients and texture agents, especially in anhydrous, mineral, or stick sunscreens.

Sunscreens with Dextrin Palmitate

We rate 113 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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