murphyIsostearyl Alcohol
AKA: 16-Methylheptadecan-1-ol, 41744-75-6, 16-methylheptadecanol, 1-Heptadecanol, Isostearyl Alcohol EX, CHEBI:84911
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Clean
OriginNative to USA. Derived from coconut, palm kernel, or soybean oils as the primary botanical starting materials. Produced through catalytic hydrogenation of natural fatty alcohols to increase stability and consistency.
16-methylheptadecan-1-ol is a long-chain primary fatty alcohol that is heptadecan-1-ol substituted by a hydroxy group at position 1 and a methyl group at position 16. It is functionally related to a heptadecan-1-ol. It derives from a hydride of a heptadecane.
Formula
C18H38O
Mol. Weight
270.50
CAS #
27458-93-1
Form
Liquid
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Emollient
Fills in the tiny cracks between skin cells to make everything feel smooth and soft. The "silky finish" ingredient.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks In Moisture
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
4 studies / 4 irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 158)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
8 studies / 6 irritating / 2 not irritating / reactions slight to severe (CIR 158)
Mixed Sensitization Results
6 studies / 3 sensitizing / 3 not sensitizing (CIR 158)
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR