What it is
Isostearyl alcohol is the branched isomer of stearyl alcohol, an 18-carbon fatty alcohol. Its branched structure keeps it liquid and gives a lighter, less waxy emollient feel than straight-chain fatty alcohols, while still helping to thicken and stabilize emulsions. It is used as a conditioning emollient and texture agent in creams, lotions, and stick formulations.
Safety & warnings
Isostearyl alcohol is generally well tolerated and, because of its branched structure, tends to feel lighter than straight-chain fatty alcohols. It is a fatty emollient and may have low-to-moderate comedogenic potential for those very prone to clogged pores. It is not a fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
It is a fatty alcohol that may be derived from plant or petrochemical feedstocks; the branched isostearyl form is produced through industrial processing.
Questions everyone asks
Is isostearyl alcohol drying like other alcohols?
No. Despite the name it is a fatty alcohol that acts as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, not a drying volatile alcohol.
How does it differ from stearyl alcohol?
It is the branched isomer of stearyl alcohol, which keeps it liquid and gives a lighter, less waxy feel.