Isodecyl Salicylate
What Isodecyl Salicylate is & what it does
Isodecyl Salicylate is an ester of salicylic acid and isodecyl alcohol, used in cosmetics as a skin conditioning agent and emollient. It gives a light, spreadable feel and can act as a solvent that helps dissolve other ingredients in the oil phase. As a salicylate ester it differs from free salicylic acid and is not used for the same exfoliating purpose.
What does Isodecyl Salicylate do in skincare?
Isodecyl Salicylate is used as a skin-conditioning agent and emollient, giving a light, spreadable feel and helping dissolve other ingredients in the oil phase. As a salicylate ester it behaves differently from free salicylic acid and is not used for exfoliation. It mainly supports a formula's texture and solvency.
Is Isodecyl Salicylate safe?
Isodecyl Salicylate is an ester used in cosmetics as an emollient and solvent and is generally considered safe at the levels used in finished products. Being an ester of salicylic acid, it does not behave like the free acid used for exfoliation. If you have a known salicylate sensitivity, checking with a professional is reasonable.
Is Isodecyl Salicylate natural or synthetic?
Isodecyl Salicylate is synthetic, made by combining salicylic acid with isodecyl alcohol to form an ester. It is a manufactured material rather than a direct plant extract. The starting components can come from different sources depending on the supplier.
Sunscreens with Isodecyl Salicylate
We rate 5 sunscreens that contain it:
-
DRMTLGY SPF Radiance Powder
78/100
-
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield Bronze Spf 50
76/100
-
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion
74/100
-
Kopari Sundaze Mineral Face Sunscreen
73/100
-
Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ (2021 Reformulation)
73/100