Description
Lauric Acid Rich Oil for Food & Industrial Applications
Palm Kernel Oil is a natural oil extracted from the kernels of oil palm fruit (Elaeis guineensis), distinguished by its high lauric acid content and exceptional stability properties. This versatile oil provides superior functionality for manufacturers seeking coconut oil alternatives and sustainable raw materials for diverse applications. The global palm kernel oil market size was valued at USD 15.7 Billion in 2024 to reach USD 22.3 Billion by 2033, at a 3.97% growth rate (CAGR) during 2025-2033. The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.30% between 2025 and 2034. The major drivers of the market include the increasing biodiesel use in vehicles, surging consumption of processed food and beverage goods, and the rising demand for the product as a cooking oil. Unlike other vegetable oils, palm kernel oil’s unique fatty acid composition provides natural antimicrobial properties, excellent lathering characteristics, and superior shelf stability, making it ideal for personal care, soap manufacturing, and specialty food applications.
For comprehensive information about lauric acid oils and their industrial applications, visit the Lipid Library Technical Resource to explore advanced extraction technologies and quality standards in palm kernel oil production.
Product Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to pale yellow liquid/semi-solid |
| Melting Point | 24-26°C |
| Iodine Value | 14-21 |
| Saponification Value | 245-255 mg KOH/g |
| Free Fatty Acid | ≤ 0.1% (RBD Grade), ≤ 5.0% (Crude Grade) |
| Moisture & Impurities | ≤ 0.1% maximum (RBD), ≤ 0.5% (Crude) |
| Peroxide Value | ≤ 2.0 meq O₂/kg (RBD), ≤ 10.0 (Crude) |
| Color (Lovibond) | 2.0 Red, 20 Yellow maximum (RBD) |
| Lauric Acid Content | 45-55% |
| Myristic Acid Content | 14-18% |
| Palmitic Acid Content | 6-9% |
| Oleic Acid Content | 13-19% |
| Packaging | 20 kg cartons, 200 kg drums, 1000 kg totes |
Applications of Palm Kernel Oil
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Soap manufacturing for superior lathering and hardness
- Shampoo formulations for cleansing and conditioning
- Skin care products for moisturizing and protection
- Hair care applications for smoothness and manageability
Food Manufacturing
- Confectionery production for coating and filling applications
- Bakery products for specialty formulations
- Dairy alternatives for non-dairy creamers and spreads
- Cooking oil for high-temperature applications
Industrial Applications
- Biodiesel production for renewable fuel manufacturing
- Oleochemical processing for fatty acids and derivatives
- Lubricant manufacturing for specialty applications
- Surfactant production for detergents and cleaning products
Specialty Applications
- Pharmaceutical excipients for drug delivery systems
- Nutritional supplements for medium-chain triglycerides
- Animal feed for enhanced nutrition
- Candle making for improved burn characteristics
Benefits of Palm Kernel Oil
High Lauric Acid Content
Palm kernel oil mainly contains Lauric acid, Palmitic acid and Oleic acid. It has Iodine value of 18.5 approximately. Due to high content of lauric acid and low level of un–saturation, gives the palm kernel oil its high melting point. This provides antimicrobial properties and excellent lathering characteristics.
Superior Stability
Low iodine value and high saturated fat content ensure exceptional oxidative stability and extended shelf life.
Coconut Oil Alternative
Similar fatty acid profile to coconut oil but with more consistent supply and competitive pricing.
Excellent Lathering Properties
High lauric and myristic acid content creates rich, stable lather in soap and personal care applications.
Natural Antimicrobial Properties
Lauric acid content provides natural preservation benefits in cosmetic and food formulations.
Versatile Processing
Compatible with various processing techniques including fractionation, hydrogenation, and interesterification.
Personal Care & Cosmetics Applications
Soap Manufacturing
- Toilet soap for personal hygiene with superior lathering
- Laundry soap for household cleaning applications
- Luxury soap for premium personal care products
- Medicated soap for therapeutic applications
Hair Care Products
- Shampoo formulations for cleansing and conditioning
- Hair conditioners for smoothness and manageability
- Hair masks for deep conditioning treatments
- Styling products for hold and texture
Skin Care Applications
- Moisturizing lotions for skin hydration
- Body creams for intensive skin care
- Lip balms for protection and conditioning
- Sunscreen formulations for UV protection
Specialty Cosmetics
- Makeup removers for gentle cleansing
- Cleansing balms for deep cleaning
- Massage oils for therapeutic applications
- Anti-aging products for skin rejuvenation
Food Manufacturing Applications
Confectionery Industry
- Chocolate coatings for candies and confections
- Cream fillings for pastries and cakes
- Ice cream for texture and stability
- Specialty fats for premium applications
Bakery Applications
- Specialty shortenings for unique textures
- Cake decorations for stability and appearance
- Biscuit manufacturing for extended shelf life
- Bread improvers for dough conditioning
Dairy Alternatives
- Non-dairy creamers for coffee and tea
- Plant-based spreads for margarine applications
- Cheese alternatives for vegan products
- Yogurt substitutes for dairy-free options
Cooking Applications
- High-temperature frying for commercial kitchens
- Specialty cooking oils for ethnic cuisines
- Food service for institutional catering
- Processed foods for manufactured products
Industrial Applications
Biodiesel Production
Palm kernel oil serves as an excellent feedstock for biodiesel manufacturing due to its high stability and favorable combustion properties.
Oleochemical Manufacturing
- Fatty acid production for industrial chemicals
- Glycerin recovery for pharmaceutical and cosmetic use
- Soap stock processing for chemical derivatives
- Specialty chemicals for various industrial applications
Lubricant Production
- Industrial lubricants for machinery and equipment
- Metalworking fluids for cutting and grinding operations
- Hydraulic fluids for specialized applications
- Biodegradable lubricants for environmental compliance
Surfactant Manufacturing
- Detergent production for household and industrial cleaning
- Emulsifiers for food and cosmetic applications
- Wetting agents for agricultural and industrial use
- Foaming agents for specialized applications
Quality Control & Testing
Chemical Analysis
- Iodine value determination for unsaturation level
- Saponification value for molecular weight assessment
- Free fatty acid content for quality verification
- Peroxide value for oxidative stability measurement
Physical Properties
- Melting point measurement for application suitability
- Solid fat content analysis at various temperatures
- Color measurement for appearance standards
- Moisture content determination for storage stability
Fatty Acid Composition
- Lauric acid content analysis for functionality
- Myristic acid determination for lathering properties
- Palmitic acid measurement for stability assessment
- Oleic acid content for nutritional profiling
Microbiological Testing
- Total plate count for microbial quality
- Yeast and mold testing for shelf stability
- Pathogen screening for food safety compliance
- Salmonella testing for regulatory requirements
Nutritional Profile
Fatty Acid Composition
- Lauric acid (45-55%): Medium-chain fatty acid with antimicrobial properties
- Myristic acid (14-18%): Saturated fatty acid for stability
- Palmitic acid (6-9%): Primary saturated fatty acid
- Oleic acid (13-19%): Monounsaturated fatty acid
Nutritional Benefits
- Medium-chain triglycerides for quick energy metabolism
- Natural vitamin E content for antioxidant properties
- Stable fatty acid profile for consistent nutrition
- Natural preservation properties from lauric acid
Processing & Extraction
Extraction Process
- Mechanical pressing for crude oil extraction
- Solvent extraction for maximum oil recovery
- Kernel preparation for optimal extraction efficiency
- Quality control throughout processing
Refining Process
- Degumming for phospholipid removal
- Neutralization for free fatty acid reduction
- Bleaching for color improvement
- Deodorization for flavor neutrality
Fractionation Options
- Dry fractionation for specialty applications
- Solvent fractionation for specific melting profiles
- Lauric acid concentration for enhanced functionality
- Stearin separation for solid fat applications
Storage & Handling
Storage Requirements
- Store in cool, dry conditions below 25°C
- Protect from direct sunlight and heat sources
- Use clean, dry storage containers
- Maintain proper ventilation in storage areas
Handling Precautions
- Use clean, sanitized equipment for handling
- Avoid contamination with water or foreign materials
- Maintain proper temperature control during transport
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment
Melting & Processing
- Gentle heating for melting applications
- Avoid overheating to prevent degradation
- Proper mixing for uniform distribution
- Temperature monitoring for quality control
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Sustainable Sourcing
- RSPO certified palm kernel oil sourcing options
- Sustainable plantation practices support
- Traceability systems for supply chain transparency
- Environmental protection initiatives
Carbon Footprint
- Renewable feedstock from palm fruit kernels
- Efficient processing for energy conservation
- Waste minimization in production processes
- Recyclable packaging materials
Biodegradability
- Natural biodegradation in environmental conditions
- Environmentally friendly processing methods
- Sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based products
- Circular economy principles in production
Regulatory Compliance
Food Safety Standards
- HACCP compliance for food safety management
- FDA approval for food contact applications
- Halal certification for religious requirements
- Kosher certification for dietary compliance
Cosmetic Regulations
- INCI listing for cosmetic applications
- Safety assessments for personal care use
- Regulatory approval for various markets
- Labeling compliance for consumer products
International Standards
- Codex Alimentarius standards for food fats
- ISO certifications for quality management
- BRC standards for food safety
- FSSC 22000 for food safety systems
Global Market Trends
Market Growth Drivers
Sustainable sourcing requirements driving demand, personal care industry expansion increasing applications, biodiesel production growth in renewable energy, and health consciousness promoting natural ingredients.
Application Trends
- Clean label formulations for consumer preference
- Natural preservatives for extended shelf life
- Sustainable packaging for environmental protection
- Premium products for affluent markets
Regional Demand
- Asia-Pacific leading consumption growth
- Europe driving sustainability requirements
- North America focusing on natural ingredients
- Emerging markets expanding industrial applications
Technical Support Services
Application Development
- Formulation assistance for product development
- Process optimization for manufacturing efficiency
- Quality troubleshooting for production issues
- Technical training for personnel development
Analytical Services
- Product testing for quality verification
- Shelf life studies for stability assessment
- Nutritional analysis for labeling compliance
- Regulatory support for market approval
Custom Solutions
- Specialty grades for specific applications
- Modified products for unique requirements
- Blending services for customized formulations
- Private labeling for brand development
Why Choose Our Palm Kernel Oil?
Superior Quality
Advanced extraction and refining processes ensure consistent quality and optimal functionality for demanding applications.
Sustainable Sourcing
Commitment to responsible sourcing practices and environmental stewardship throughout the supply chain.
Technical Expertise
Experienced team provides comprehensive support for application development and process optimization.
Reliable Supply
Established supply chain ensures consistent availability and timely delivery worldwide.
Competitive Pricing
Cost-effective solutions through efficient operations and strategic partnerships.
Quality Assurance
Rigorous testing and quality control ensure product consistency and safety compliance.
Flexible Packaging
Multiple packaging options to meet diverse customer requirements and applications.
Regulatory Compliance
Full compliance with international food, cosmetic, and industrial regulations.
