OriginDerived from isostearic acid and neopentanoic acid, both synthetic carboxylic acids from petroleum feedstocks. Synthesized through esterification reaction between isostearic acid and neopentanoic acid under catalytic conditions.
Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, isooctadecyl ester
Formula
C23H46O2
Mol. Weight
354.60
CAS #
58958-60-4
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Binding
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
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed3 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
Not a Sensitizer
13 studies / 13 not sensitizing (CIR 194 and 623)
Not Phototoxic
Human test and Product formulation test found no phototoxicity in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 194 and 623)
Mixed Skin Irritation Results
25 studies / 12 irritating / 3 mixed / 10 not irritating / reactions minimal to moderate (CIR 194 and 623)
Mixed Comedogenicity Results
Both comedogenic and non-comedogenic results in the CIR safety assessment (CIR 194 and 623)
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions minimal (CIR 623)
murphy
