Isostearyl Behenate

AKA: Pelemol ISB, Isostearyl behenate [INCI], Docosanoic acid, Isooctadecyl ester, 125804-16-2
Plant-Derived
Emollient
Skin Conditioner
Plant Oil
Clean
Docosanoic acid, isooctadecyl ester
Formula
C40H80O2
Mol. Weight
593.10
CAS #
125804-16-2
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.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
A synthetic ester developed in the mid-20th century as a cosmetic emollient and thickening agent. Created to provide stable, long-lasting hydration in skincare formulations without the greasiness of natural oils.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
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