Isopropyl Isostearate

Isopropyl isostearate is an emollient ester of isopropyl alcohol and isostearic acid with a light, highly spreadable feel. It softens texture, boosts slip, and disperses pigments in color cosmetics, though some users find it feels occlusive.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
An ester that gives a velvety, soft finish and smooths makeup application.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support
Type
Emollient

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

High

Skin Benefits

Delivers a velvety finish and helps skin feel soft and conditioned. Can promote smooth, uniform makeup laydown.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Common in foundations, lipsticks, and rich moisturizers to improve blendability and slip during application.

Comedogenic Rating

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

Safety

Generally tolerated on intact skin, but its high comedogenic potential may aggravate acne or clog pores. Those prone to breakouts should patch test or avoid leave-on use. Discontinue if congestion increases.

Is Isopropyl Isostearate a Good Ingredient?

Rated Fair because it provides silky slip and emolliency that improve spreadability, but it carries a high comedogenic rating and can feel occlusive. That combination makes it a potential breakout risk for acne-prone or congested skin, which is what holds the rating down.

Products with Isopropyl Isostearate

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