Isocetyl Stearate
AKA “25339-09-7, Isohexadecyl stearate, Kessco ICS, Octadecanoic acid, isohexadecyl ester, Standamul 7061, Stearic acid, isocetyl ester, EINECS 246-868-6, CRODAMOL ICS
Emollient
Ingredient Facts
Isocetyl stearate
AKA: 25339-09-7, Isohexadecyl stearate, Kessco ICS, Octadecanoic acid, Isohexadecyl ester, Standamul 7061, Stearic acid, Isocetyl ester, EINECS 246-868-6, CRODAMOL ICS
Emollient · Emollient · EWG: 1
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the alkyl esters, listed subsequently, are safe in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-irritating.
Formula
C34H68O2
Mol. Weight
508.90
CAS #
25339-09-7
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester developed as an emollient and texture-enhancing ingredient in cosmetics, created to provide slip and conditioning benefits without historical precedent.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Amended Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Butyl Stearate, Cetyl Stearate, Isobutyl Stearate, Isocetyl Stearate, Isopropyl Stearate, Myristyl Stearate, and Octyl Stearate
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Isostearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Oleic Acid, Lauric Acid, Palmitic Acid, Myristic Acid, and Stearic Acid
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Poly(3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid, and Polylactic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Re-evaluation: Safety Assessment of Hydroxystearic Acid as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
10-Hydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Isocetyl Stearate
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Stearic Acid
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Hydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Isocetyl Stearate
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Isostearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Polyhydroxystearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Stearic Acid
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Simultaneous contact sensitivity to hydroxystearic acid and C18-36 acid triglyceride in lip glosses.
Kimura M, Kawada A, Ogino M, Murayama Y
Contact dermatitis, 2002
Microemulsions based on TPGS and isostearic acid for imiquimod formulation and skin delivery.
Pescina S, Garrastazu G, Del Favero E, Rondelli V, Cantù L et al.
European journal of pharmaceutical sciences : official journal of the European Federation for Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2018
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
Bio-derived hydroxystearic acid ameliorates skin age spots and conspicuous pores.
Schütz R, Rawlings AV, Wandeler E, Jackson E, Trevisan S et al.
International journal of cosmetic science, 2019
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR