Isocetyl Stearate

Isocetyl stearate is an ester produced from isocetyl alcohol and stearic acid, commonly used in personal care formulas. It's valued for lightweight emolliency, a silky glide, and softening effects that improve spreadability and skin feel.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An ester that softens skin with a light, silky glide.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

High

Skin Benefits

Leaves skin feeling supple and comfortably moisturized without heaviness. Helps smooth the look of rough, dry areas for a softer touch.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in moisturizers, sunscreens, and makeup primers to improve application and deliver a velvety finish.

Comedogenic Rating

Isocetyl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 5. It has a high likelihood of clogging pores and is generally avoided in acne-prone routines.

Safety

Typically well tolerated, but fatty esters can occasionally trigger breakouts in very acne-prone skin. Patch test if sensitive; no major regulatory restrictions are known.

Is Isocetyl Stearate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Good as a reliable, lightweight emollient that improves slip and softness, with generally low irritation potential that supports comfortable wear across many formulas. It's a dependable performer rather than a standout, which is why it lands at Good.

Products with Isocetyl Stearate

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