Isostearyl isostearate is an ester from isostearyl alcohol and isostearic acid used in personal care. It conditions skin, increases slip, and improves uniform application in creams, sunscreens, and color cosmetics.
An ester that leaves skin smooth, cushioned, and less dry.
Category
Skin Conditioning, Barrier Support, Hydration
Type
Emollient
Ingredient Ratings
Overall Rating
Good
Comedogenic Risk
Low
Skin Benefits
Leaves skin feeling smooth and cushioned while helping reduce dryness. Adds a light, comfortable skin feel without heaviness.
Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics
Used in sunscreens, lotions, and liquid foundations to improve blendability and create a plush texture. Also found in lip oils to provide a silky, conditioning glide.
Comedogenic Rating
Isostearyl Isostearate has a comedogenic rating of 1. It has a very low likelihood of clogging pores.
Safety
Low irritation potential for most users; patch testing is prudent for sensitive skin. No known ingredient-specific regulatory limits. Rarely, richer esters can feel heavy or contribute to congestion on very oily skin types.
Is Isostearyl Isostearate a Good Ingredient?
Rated Good because it delivers consistent emolliency and even spread with good oxidative stability, and irritation is uncommon in leave-on use. It's a reliable but unremarkable performer.