Ingredient list › Isopropyl Isostearate
Is Isopropyl Isostearate comedogenic?
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky feel. Its comedogenicity rating is 5/5 — high pore-clogging risk.
Isopropyl Isostearate sits high on the comedogenic scale. For acne-prone or breakout-prone skin it is one of the ingredients most likely to block pores and contribute to blackheads, whiteheads and pimples, especially when it appears near the top of an ingredient list (higher concentration).
What is Isopropyl Isostearate?
Isopropyl Isostearate is an emollient ester that gives products a smooth, silky feel. On a product label it may also appear under names such as: isopropyl isostearate.
Fungal-acne (Malassezia) safe? No — this is a common Malassezia (fungal acne) trigger, so avoid it if you have fungal acne. Check a whole product for fungal-acne triggers →
Acne-safe alternatives to Isopropyl Isostearate
If Isopropyl Isostearate breaks you out, these lower-rated ester options are far less likely to clog pores:
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — Low risk · 1/5
- Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate — Low risk · 1/5
- Coco-Caprylate — Low risk · 1/5
- Diisopropyl Adipate — Low risk · 1/5
- Glyceryl Stearate — Low risk · 1/5
How to read this rating
A comedogenicity rating is general guidance, not a lab result for a specific formula. An ingredient near the end of an ingredient list is present in a small amount, so its rating matters less than one near the top. Read our full sources & methodology.