Isocetyl isostearate: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

What it does

Softening ester related to a high-rated ester, may clog pores.

• Emollient
• Skin conditioning

Isocetyl isostearate in plain English

Isocetyl isostearate is an emollient ester that softens skin and gives a smooth feel. It is related to isocetyl stearate, which rates high on classic comedogenic lists. Keep in mind these ratings come from old rabbit-ear tests of the raw ingredient, which can overstate the risk of a small amount in a finished product.

Is isocetyl isostearate bad for acne?

It can be. Isocetyl isostearate has a moderate clog risk rating for acne-prone skin. It has no score of its own in Fulton's 1989 table and is flagged on classic comedogenic lists, often because of its chemical family. If you break out easily, check where it sits on the ingredient list: the higher it appears, the more of it the product usually contains.

Why it is flagged: An ester related to isocetyl stearate, which rates high.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

• Isocetyl Isostearate

Related ingredients

• Acetylated lanolin alcoholHigh clog riskLight lanolin-based emollient that softens skin
• Algae extractHigh clog riskSeaweed extract that hydrates but rates high for clogging pores
• Bladderwrack extractModerate clog riskBrown seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog pores
• Butyl myristateModerate clog riskSoftening ester in the myristate family, may clog pores
• Butyl stearateHigh clog riskEmollient ester that softens skin and adds slip
• Cetyl acetateModerate clog riskEmollient ester that softens skin