Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides
Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides is a plant-derived emollient and thickening agent commonly used in UK skincare and cosmetics. It helps soften skin, improve texture, and stabilise formulas in creams, balms and lip products. A gentle, non-greasy ingredient that gives a smooth, luxurious feel.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, hydrogenated palm kernel glycerides functions primarily as an emollient and viscosity-increasing agent. It is created by hydrogenating the glycerides obtained from palm kernel oil, resulting in a stable, semi-solid fat that melts at skin temperature. This allows it to form a soft protective film on the skin or lips, reducing transepidermal water loss while imparting a smooth, velvety after-feel without heaviness. It is frequently used in lip balms, body butters, moisturisers and cleansing formulations to enhance spreadability, boost creaminess and improve overall product stability.
Key benefits
- Softens and smooths the skin surface
- Helps lock in moisture
- Improves product texture and creaminess
- Enhances spreadability of balms and creams
- Provides a non-greasy, velvety finish
- Stabilises emulsions in cosmetic formulas
Best for
dry skin, normal skin, sensitive skin, mature skin
Where it comes from
It is derived from the kernels of the oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis). The natural oil is extracted from the seeds and then hydrogenated to create a more stable, solid form suitable for cosmetic use.
Products with Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Glycerides than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.