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ISOSTEARIC ACID

Last update on Sep 11, 2024
Isostearic Acid is a fatty acid used in cosmetics and personal care products for its emollient, stabilizing, and conditioning properties. It forms a barrier on the skin to prevent dryness and provide a smooth feel. It also stabilizes emulsions by preventing the separation of oil and water phases in cosmetic formulations. This helps improve the texture and consistency of products like creams, lotions, and sunscreens. In its raw form, Isostearic Acid appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a faint odor and smooth texture. Being compatible with both oil-based and water-based formulations, this ingredient can be found in a variety of products. The chemical formula of Isostearic Acid is C18H36O2.
CAS Number: 30399-84-9 / 2724-58-5Chem/IUPAC Name: Isooctadecanoic acidEINECS/ELINCS No: 250-178-0COSING REF No: 77840

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What is ISOSTEARIC ACID used for?

Isostearic Acid has multiple benefits to offer to the world of cosmetics. It acts as a skin-conditioning agent, providing long-lasting moisture and helping to smooth the skin. In emulsions like creams and lotions, it enhances texture and improves product stability by preventing the separation of oil and water. Isostearic acid also boosts the spreadability of products, ensuring they glide easily over the skin and hair without feeling greasy. In hair care, it conditions and softens hair, while also adding shine. Isostearic acid can protect hair from environmental stressors by forming a light barrier.

Origin

Isostearic acid is made through the hydrogenation and isomerization of stearic acid, which is derived from natural sources such as vegetable oils (e.g., palm oil or soybean oil) or animal fats. In the production process, stearic acid undergoes hydrogenation, where unsaturated bonds are converted to saturated ones. Then, the stearic acid is isomerized, a process that rearranges the molecular structure to create a branched-chain fatty acid, resulting in isostearic acid.

What does ISOSTEARIC ACID do in a formulation?

EMOLLIENT|
EMULSIFYING|
HAIR CONDITIONING|
MOISTURISING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
STABILISING

Safety Profile

Isostearic acid is considered safe for use in cosmetics, with a low risk of irritation or adverse reactions. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it is unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for oily and acne-prone skin. Side effects are rare, but those with extremely sensitive skin may experience mild irritation. As with any cosmetic ingredient, a patch test is recommended before use.

ISOSTEARIC ACID alternatives

ISOSTEARIC ACID technical profile

Property Values
Boiling Point 361°C
Melting Point 69.3°C
pH 4.5-7
Solubility Insoluble in water
Viscosity Medium