Is Isopropyl Isostearate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky slip and cushiony feel. In cosmetics it is typically found in moisturizers, foundations, lipsticks, primers and sunscreens.
| Comedogenic rating | 5/5 — Very likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Ester |
Is Isopropyl Isostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Isopropyl Isostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Isopropyl Isostearate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Isopropyl Isostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Isopropyl Isostearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Isopropyl Isostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Isopropyl Isostearate if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Isopropyl Isostearate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
Safer alternatives to Isopropyl Isostearate
How Isopropyl Isostearate compares to other esters
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Isopropyl Isostearate | 5/5 | Likely |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | 1/5 | Unlikely |
| Butyl Stearate | 3/5 | Likely |
| Decyl Oleate | 3/5 | Likely |
| Ethylhexyl Palmitate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Isocetyl Stearate | 4/5 | Likely |
| Isopropyl Palmitate | 4/5 | Likely |
Frequently asked questions
Is Isopropyl Isostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Isopropyl Isostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 5 out of 5. That means it has a strong tendency to block pores and is a well-known trigger for closed comedones, blackheads and breakouts on acne-prone skin. If your skin is oily or congestion-prone, Isopropyl Isostearate is one of the ingredients most worth avoiding in leave-on facial products, though it can still be fine in short-contact rinse-off products or on the body.
Does Isopropyl Isostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Isopropyl Isostearate is considered a potential fungal-acne (Malassezia) trigger. Fungal acne — properly called Malassezia folliculitis — appears as small, uniform, sometimes itchy bumps, and is fed by certain oils, fatty acids and esters. This is a different problem from comedogenic clogging, so if you are prone to fungal acne you may want to avoid Isopropyl Isostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Isopropyl Isostearate safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Isopropyl Isostearate away from your face in leave-on products. It can still be useful for dry body skin, hair, or in cleansers where it is quickly rinsed off. Normal and dry skin types often tolerate it without issue.
What products is Isopropyl Isostearate found in?
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky slip and cushiony feel, and is commonly found in moisturizers, foundations, lipsticks, primers and sunscreens.
What can I use instead of Isopropyl Isostearate?
Lower-risk swaps include Squalane, all of which rate lower on the comedogenic scale.
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