A plant oil from oil palm kernels. It nourishes and softens skin but may clog pores on blemish-prone skin.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
A nourishing plant oil. Safe; may not suit blemish-prone skin.
Palm kernel oil (INCI: Elaeis Guineensis Palm Kernel Oil) is a vegetable oil from the seeds of the oil palm fruit, rich in saturated fatty acids including lauric acid. In formulas it nourishes and softens the skin and gives body to creams and body butters. As an active it is an emollient. It works well to soften skin and reduce water loss, but it is not a treatment; its role is nourishment and feel. At that level it delivers what it promises. Topically there is no meaningful systemic exposure, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Irritation and allergy risk are low, so it is generally well tolerated. The point to watch is its high comedogenicity: on oily, acne-prone skin it can clog pores and trigger breakouts. It is more comfortable on dry body skin than on an acne-prone face.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
A plant oil from oil palm kernels.
On the Fulton scale 4/5 – high comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Kernel Oil. It may also appear as: Пальмоядровое масло, Palm Kernel Oil.
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