Isobutyl Stearate
AKA “2-Methylpropyl octadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester, Stearic acid, isobutyl ester, isobutyl octadecanoate, HSDB 2177, UNII-V8DPR6HNX3”
Synthetic
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Ingredient Facts
Isobutyl stearate
AKA: 2-Methylpropyl octadecanoate, Octadecanoic acid, 2-methylpropyl ester, Stearic acid, Isobutyl ester, Isobutyl octadecanoate, HSDB 2177, UNII-V8DPR6HNX3
Synthetic · Skin Conditioning | Emollient · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Synthetic
Clean
A lightweight emollient that softens and smooths skin, leaving it feeling hydrated and conditioned without a greasy residue.
Solubility Very sol in ether
Formula
C22H44O2
Mol. Weight
340.60
CAS #
646-13-9
Form
Liquid
State
Liquid
Synthetic
Botanical. Derived from stearic acid and isobutanol, both petroleum-derived or synthesized from natural oils through chemical processes. Produced through esterification, where stearic acid and isobutanol react together under catalytic conditions to form the ester compound.
Function
Skin Conditioning | Emollient
Benefits
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester developed as a cosmetic emollient in the mid-20th century. Created to mimic the conditioning properties of natural stearic acid while offering better stability and absorption in cosmetic products.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy Safe
Yes
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Concentration Guide
Industry Max
Industry typically uses up to 30.0% in leave-on products (1 products reported). Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 889).
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR