Potassium Isostearate

AKA: Isooctadecanoic acid, Potassium salt, Potassium salt (1:1), 66469-15-6, Potassium 16-methylheptadecanoate, 68413-46-7
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Plant Oil
Clean
Potassium salt of isostearic acid
Formula
C18H35KO2
Mol. Weight
322.60
CAS #
68413-46-7
Form
Liquid
Functions
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Cleansing Surfactant
Removes Impurities
Traditional Use
A synthetic surfactant derived from isostearic acid combined with potassium. Created in the modern era for use as a cleansing and emulsifying ingredient in cosmetics.
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
General
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