Palm Oil

Palm oil and palm kernel oil are edible plant oils extracted from the fruits of palm trees (Elaeis guineensis). Palm oil is from the pulp of the fruit of the palm and palm kernel oil is derived from fruit's seed. It is important to note that while coconut oil is derived from the kernel of the very closely related coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), it is a different oil and sometimes used for different purposes in skincare formulation. Unrefined, virgin palm oil is naturally reddish in color (because it contains a high amount of beta-carotene), while coconut oil is white.

Palm oil is semi-solid at room temperature and constituted mostly of saturated lipids, though also contains several unsaturated fats. The unsaturated and saturated lipid ratio of palm oil roughly is: 44% palmitate (saturated), 39% oleate (monounsaturated), 10% linoleate (polyunsaturated), 5% stearate (saturated), 1% myristate (saturated), 0.3% linolenate (polyunsaturated), and 0.1% glyceryl laurate (saturated). Of all the oils derived from the palm tree (including palm oil, palm kernel oil, and coconut oil), the palm oil extracted from the fruit pulp is the least saturated in composition.

In topical skincare preparations, palm oil has been shown to be an excellent moisturizer and skin softener. It is an effective moisturizer while also containing thickening properties to aid in forming a creamy texture to products without leaving a greasy feel on the skin and aiding natural emulsifiers keep water and oil factions of the product homogenous.