Exfoliants

Isostearyl Isostearate

Also known as: Ester, Isostearic Acid, Stearic Acid

Liquid emollient ester that helps prevent moisture loss | Improves the texture of makeup products such as lipstick

Addresses

Dehydration, Softens Skin, Improves Barrier Function

What Is Isostearyl Isostearate?

Isostearyl isostearate is a vegetable-derived or synthetic liquid emollient ester that helps prevent moisture loss, softens skin, improves an impaired barrier, and can enhance the texture of products such as lipstick. This emollient is also used as a binding agent to keep the dry ingredients in powder-based products together.

Isostearyl isostearate is stable and, unlike natural oils, not prone to rancidity. It has a more cosmetically elegant texture than mineral oil, so is sometimes used to replace this ingredient.

Usage levels of isostearyl isostearate in skin care are typically between 2–10% depending on formulary needs and other emollients present. It is considered safe and non-irritating as used in cosmetics.

Benefits for Your Skin

Clinical Evidence & References

Published Research

  • International Journal of Toxicology, September-October 2015, pages 5S–69S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1091581815594027]
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, December 2012, pages 502–512 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00744.x]
  • International Journal of Cosmetic Science, August 2010, pages 304–312 [https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2010.00604.x]

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