Characteristics
- INCI
- Isopropyl Isostearate
- CAS
-
31478-84-9, 68171-33-5
This is the substance number in the Chemical Abstracts Service registry. The CAS number uniquely identifies a substance regardless of language, trade name, or synonyms.
- EC
-
250-651-1, 269-023-3
This is the substance number in the European chemical identification system (EC number), used in European regulatory databases including ECHA/CosIng.
- IUPAC
- Isopropyl Isodecanoate
- Functions
- binding, emollient, skin conditioning
- Irritancy
-
0 / 5
Irritation potential: 0–5, where 5 is the highest irritation rating for the ingredient.
More detail → - Comedogen.
-
4-5 / 5
Comedogenicity index: 0–5. A non-comedogenic ingredient (0–1) is unlikely to cause cosmetic acne.
More detail →
Who it's for
Description
Isopropyl Isostearate is a lightweight oily ester used in skincare and makeup to improve slip, spreadability, and the overall feel of a formula. It acts mainly as an emollient, meaning it helps soften and smooth the skin while leaving a silky, less greasy finish than many heavier oils. You’ll often find it in creams, lotions, cleansers, sunscreens, lip products, and color cosmetics where a smooth, cushiony texture matters.
For skin, it can make products feel more comfortable and help reduce the dry, tight sensation that comes with cleansing or applying matte formulas. In hair products, it may add softness, shine, and easier comb-through. People who like rich-feeling formulas without a heavy, sticky residue may enjoy it most. One caveat: because it is quite emollient, it may feel too rich for some very oily or breakout-prone skin types, especially in leave-on products. As always, how it feels depends on the full formula, not just this one ingredient.
Products with Isopropyl Isostearate (683 total)
Most often found in Olay products (130 items)
