Isopropyl Stearate
An ester of isopropyl alcohol and stearic acid used as a lightweight emollient that improves spreadability and skin feel in creams and lotions.
Benefits
- ✓Softens and smooths skin
- ✓Improves spreadability of creams and lotions
- ✓Non-greasy after-feel
Watch for
- ⚠Rated moderately comedogenic by some sources; may not suit acne-prone skin
In depth
What it does
An ester of isopropyl alcohol and stearic acid used as a lightweight emollient that improves spreadability and skin feel in creams and lotions. As an emollient ingredient, it is particularly valued for softens and smooths skin, improves spreadability of creams and lotions, and non-greasy after-feel.
Skin type guide
Best suited to normal, dry, or combination skin. Lightweight emollients work for oily skin too — richer ones are best reserved for dry and very dry skin types.
How to use it
Works best as a later step in your routine, after water-based serums and treatments. Emollients help seal in earlier layers, so their placement matters — put lighter textures on first.