Isocetyl Alcohol
A branched fatty alcohol. It softens skin and gives a light slip without drying. Well tolerated.
Evidence by route
Topical application
A functional fatty alcohol. Safe.
- CIR Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessment
How to read tiers A–F
- BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Isocetyl Alcohol is a branched fatty alcohol. INCI: Isocetyl Alcohol. In a formula it works as an emollient, co-emulsifier, and texture modifier: it softens skin, gives a smooth non-greasy slip, and helps stabilize the emulsion. Not to be confused with drying ethyl alcohol: fatty alcohols do not degrease but soften. Its branched structure gives a lighter, drier texture than straight fatty alcohols. It is a functional sensory component, not a skincare active. Pregnancy safety. Systemic absorption through intact skin is low and there is no evidence of harm. It can be used during pregnancy and lactation. Tolerance. Irritation and allergen potential are low, suitable for sensitive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Isocetyl Alcohol safe during pregnancy?
Isocetyl Alcohol is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Isocetyl Alcohol for?
Isocetyl Alcohol suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Isocetyl Alcohol and what does it do in cosmetics?
A branched fatty alcohol.
Is Isocetyl Alcohol comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 1/5 – very low comedogenicity. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Isocetyl Alcohol?
The INCI name is Isocetyl Alcohol.
See Isocetyl Alcohol in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
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Ingredients in the same category
Isocetyl Stearate, Isocetyl Stearoyl Stearate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Isohexadecane, Phenylalanine, Tribehenin PEG-20 Esters, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Glycereth-7 Triacetate
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