Isocetyl Alcohol
What Isocetyl Alcohol is & what it does
Isocetyl Alcohol is a branched-chain fatty alcohol (a 16-carbon, isomeric cetyl alcohol). In skincare and sunscreens it works as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent, giving a light, smooth, non-greasy slip. Unlike simple drying alcohols, this fatty alcohol is oily in character and is used to soften skin and improve product texture.
What does Isocetyl Alcohol do in skincare?
Isocetyl Alcohol is a branched fatty alcohol used as an emollient and skin-conditioning agent. It gives a light, smooth, non-greasy slip and helps soften skin and refine texture. Despite the word alcohol, it is oily in character and not a drying solvent.
Does Isocetyl Alcohol clog pores?
Isocetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol emollient, and such ingredients vary in how they suit acne-prone skin. It is often chosen for a light feel, but no single rating universally defines its pore-clogging level. If you break out easily, patch testing the product is reasonable.
Is Isocetyl Alcohol the same as drying alcohol?
No, Isocetyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol, which behaves very differently from drying alcohols like denatured or isopropyl alcohol. It is oily and emollient and is used to soften skin and improve texture. It does not have the dehydrating effect associated with volatile alcohols.
Sunscreens with Isocetyl Alcohol
We rate 8 sunscreens that contain it:
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Natio Men Plus Age Protect Face Lotion SPF 50+
78/100
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SE:RESKIN SPF 50+ Protect + Vit. C
77/100
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ISDIN Ureadin Crema Antiarrugas SPF 20
71/100
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Christina Cosmeceuticals Line Repair Nutrient - Bakuchiol Day Cream SPF 15
70/100
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Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brillance Foundation SPF 20
49/100
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Mandulina Karotin & Ceramid CC Arckrém SPF 30
49/100
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Estée Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultra Radiance Liquid Makeup Spf 20
49/100
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bareMinerals Correcting Concealer SPF 20
49/100