BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF OLEYL PALMITATE AS AN ACTIVE AGENT IN COSMETIC FORMULATION

Oleyl palmitate, a wax ester extensively utilized in several industries, particularly in cosmetic formulation, is difficult to source naturally due to its elevated cost and restricted availability. In this study, oleyl palmitate was synthesized through an esterification reaction using oleyl alcohol and palmitic acid. Characterization of the synthesized wax ester was performed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to verify the existence of ester bonds in its molecular structure. The antibacterial activity of oleyl palmitate was evaluated against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria using the agar diffusion test. The Minimum Inhibition Concentration (MIC) value was ascertained through the microdilution method. Two biological activities, bactericidal effects (killing bacteria) and bacteriostatic effects (inhibiting bacterial growth), were determined by Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) value. Synthesized oleyl palmitate exhibited a bactericidal effect against all Gram-positive bacteria studied, including Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, physicochemical properties such as SPF values (15.0), peroxide values (18.0 mEq O2/kg), saponification values (90.0 mg KOH/g), and iodine values (87.0 g I2/100 g) were determined. The data obtained suggest that the synthesized oleyl palmitate holds potential as an active ingredient in cosmetic formulations.