Isostearyl Palmitate

Benefits
Softening

What is Isostearyl Palmitate?

Isostearyl Palmitate is a synthetic ester formed from isostearyl alcohol, a branched-chain fatty alcohol derived from oleyl alcohol, and palmitic acid, a common saturated fatty acid sourced from palm or other plant oils. It belongs to the class of alkyl palmitates widely used in cosmetics, particularly in anhydrous formulations like lipsticks, solid emollients, and pressed powders. In products, it functions primarily as an emollient by providing a non-greasy lubricity that enhances skin feel and spreadability. As a binder, it helps coalesce solid particles, improving the structural integrity and longevity of bars, sticks, and compacts. Its branched structure contributes to a dry, velvety finish while aiding in moisture retention on the skin surface without greasiness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →
PubChem View on PubChem →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Skin conditioning agent
Maintains skin softness, smoothness, and flexibility.

Benefits

Provides softening effect by smoothing skin texture and filling minor surface irregularities.

Enhances product wear by binding ingredients for cohesive, durable formulas.

Delivers lightweight emolliency that improves slip and reduces tackiness in applications.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
People with dry or rough skin seeking gentle softening agents.
Those with known allergies to fatty acid esters.
Users of makeup sticks and powders for better adhesion and comfort.
People sensitive to palm-derived ingredients.
Individuals preferring non-greasy emollients in anhydrous products.
Users preferring fully botanical or minimalistic formulas.

Safety Notes

  • Rated low hazard by safety assessments with no significant irritation concerns.
  • Non-comedogenic, unlikely to clog pores based on ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions about Isostearyl Palmitate

What is Isostearyl Palmitate used for?

It acts as an emollient and binder in lipsticks, creams, and powders to soften skin and improve formula stability.

Is it safe for daily skincare?

Safety reviews confirm it poses low risk in typical cosmetic concentrations.

Does it clog pores?

It has a comedogenic rating of 0, suggesting low risk of pore blockage.