Rate My SPF

Isononyl Isononanoate

What Isononyl Isononanoate is & what it does

A dry, silky emollient ester that spreads easily and gives a light, non-oily finish while dissolving UV filters. It improves the feel of sunscreens that could otherwise feel heavy.

What is Isononyl Isononanoate and what does it do in sunscreen?

Isononyl Isononanoate is a lightweight emollient ester. In a sunscreen it spreads easily, helps dissolve oil-soluble UV filters, and leaves a dry, silky, non-oily finish. It is often used to make sunscreens that would otherwise feel heavy feel lighter and more elegant on skin.

Is Isononyl Isononanoate safe?

Yes. It is a well-tolerated cosmetic emollient with a long track record and a low risk of irritation for most skin types. It conditions the skin surface and improves texture without being harsh. As always, patch testing a new product is sensible if your skin is easily irritated.

Does Isononyl Isononanoate clog pores?

Generally no. It is a dry, lightweight ester rather than a heavy oil or wax, and it is not flagged as comedogenic in our data. Because it leaves a light, non-greasy finish, it is a less likely pore-clogging culprit than the richer emollients in a formula. Very acne-prone skin can still react differently from person to person, so judge by how your own skin responds.

Is Isononyl Isononanoate natural or synthetic?

It is synthetic. Isononyl Isononanoate is an ester made in a lab, prized for its dry, silky slip and its ability to dissolve UV filters. Being synthetic is not a drawback here, it is what gives the predictable light feel that natural oils struggle to match.

What else is Isononyl Isononanoate called?

On a label it appears under its INCI name, Isononyl Isononanoate. It is an emollient ester, so you will usually find it in the oil part of the formula, often near the UV filters it helps dissolve. There is no common consumer nickname for it.

Sunscreens with Isononyl Isononanoate

We rate 314 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

← All ingredients