Palmitic acid is a saturated fatty acid, the principal constituent of refined palm oil, present in the diet and synthesized endogenously. Palmitic acid is able to activate the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPR40. Palmitic acid was also a weak ligand of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma. Palmitic acid is a ligand of lipid chaperones - the fatty acid-binding proteins (FABPs). Dietary palm oil and palmitic acid may play a role in the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Sorbitan monopalmitate (Span 40) is a nonionic emulsifier, surfactant and food additive. The product of Croda Inc. Span 40 is used in skin care, hair care and decorative cosmetics. It is also used as an effector in compositions capable of facilitating penetration across a biological barrier. Inactive ingredient of some medications it improves transdermal delivery of drugs and is a potential carrier for topical drug delivery. In PLIAGLIS cream (lidocaine and tetracaine) sorbitan monopalmitate is used as an inactive ingredient. Sorbitan monopalmitate is a fatty acid sorbitan ester, yellowish brown wax, slightly soluble in isopropanol, xylene and liquid paraffin, insoluble in water, non-toxic.

Cetyl Palmitate, wax-like substance, is used as an inactive ingredient in different cosmetic and personal care products e.g., in FINEVIN. This cream is used for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris. Cetyl Palmitate also functions as a binder to provide adhesive qualities during and after compression to make tablets or cakes.

Dextramycin ((S, S)-p-Chloramphenicol) is an optical isomer of Chloramphenicol, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with historical veterinary use in all major food-producing animals. The drug is biosynthesized by the soil organism Streptomyces venezuelae and several other actinomycetes and is chemically synthesized for commercial use. Chloramphenicol occurs in the meta-configuration and in the para-configuration and it contains two chiral centers thus in total eight different isomeric configurations exist. All para-stereoisomers are biologically active and 0.5% solution of Dextramycin shows antimicrobial activity. Currently, Chloramphenicol has banned for use in all food-producing animals.

Dexamethasone palmitate (a derivative of Dexamethasone), anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, glucocorticoid receptor agonist, is reported as an ingredient of Limethason in Japan and Lipotalon in Germany. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) inhibits the function of leukocytes and tissue macrophages. It restricts the migration of leukocytes in the area of inflammation. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) decreases capillary permeability caused by histamine release. It inhibits the activity of fibroblasts and collagen formation. Limethason inhibits the activity of phospholipase A2, which leads to suppression of the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Limethason (Dexamethasone palmitate) is indicated for rheumatoid arthritis.

Xantofyl palmitate (brand name Adaptinol) is an approved drug for retinitis pigmentosa in Japan since August 1956. Adaptinol promotes aerobic metabolism of the retina to expand visual field or delay the development of narrowing of visual field. It also acts on the retina to improve vision in the dark. It is usually used to transiently improve visual field and dark adaptation in patients with retinitis pigmentosa.