Is Isostearyl Isostearate Comedogenic?
Comedogenic rating: 4/5 — Likely to clog pores
Isostearyl 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 | 4/5 — Likely to clog pores |
|---|---|
| Pore-clogging | Likely |
| Fungal-acne safe | No — potential trigger |
| Category | Ester |
Is Isostearyl Isostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Isostearyl Isostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 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, Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Should you use Isostearyl Isostearate if you're acne-prone?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Isostearyl 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.
How Isostearyl Isostearate compares to other esters
| Ingredient | Rating | Pore-clogging |
|---|---|---|
| Isostearyl Isostearate | 4/5 | 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 Isostearyl Isostearate comedogenic?
Yes — Isostearyl Isostearate is considered highly comedogenic, scoring 4 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, Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate cause fungal acne?
Separately from pore-clogging, Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate even when its comedogenic rating is low.
Is Isostearyl Isostearate safe for acne-prone skin?
If you are acne-prone, it is safest to keep Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate found in?
Isostearyl 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 Isostearyl Isostearate?
Look for non-comedogenic emollients rated 0–1 such as squalane, glycerin, hemp seed oil or sunflower oil.
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