Sodium Isostearate

Sodium Isostearate is the sodium salt of isostearic acid, a soap-type anionic surfactant for alkaline systems. It's used in cleansing bars and shave products to build foam, aid wetting, and add structure.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A soap-like cleanser used to build lather in bars and shave products.
Category
Cleansing
Type
Surfactant

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

It offers strong cleansing and quick wetting, useful for removing oils and residue, and suits short-contact cleansing where a brisk, thorough wash is preferred.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

It's used in traditional soap bars and shaving creams to build lather and structure, and appears in solid cleansers and high-alkaline wash bases.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

It may cause dryness or irritation due to its high-pH, soap-based nature; it's best suited to short contact and well-rinsed products. No common regulatory restrictions are noted for cosmetic use.

Is Sodium Isostearate a Good Ingredient?

It rates Fair because, as a soap-type anionic surfactant, it requires alkaline pH, which can be drying and potentially irritating, especially for sensitive or dry skin. It's useful for quick, strong cleansing but carries a higher risk of barrier disruption than milder syndet options.

Products with Sodium Isostearate

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