Propylene Glycol Isostearate
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: 68171-38-0, Isooctadecanoic acid, Monoester with 1, 2-propanediol, 2-hydroxypropyl 16-methylheptadecanoate, Propylene glycol monoisostearate, Prisorine 2034
Plant-Derived
Cleanser
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Isooctadecanoic acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol
Effective at 30.15%
Formula
C21H42O3
Mol. Weight
342.60
CAS #
68171-38-0, 63799-53-1
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.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Synthetic ester developed as a modern emollient and skin conditioning agent for cosmetics. Designed to provide smooth texture and enhanced spreadability in formulations.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
Restricted By
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
0.3%
60.0%
0%84%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.71-60 | 1-33.796 | 0.3-15
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
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.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR