Isostearyl Alcohol
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 16-Methylheptadecan-1-ol, 41744-75-6, 16-methylheptadecanol, 1-Heptadecanol, Isostearyl Alcohol EX, CHEBI:84911
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
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
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
Traditional Use
Developed as a synthetic fatty alcohol derived from isostearic acid in the mid-20th century. Created to provide thickening, emulsifying, and conditioning properties in cosmetic formulations.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR