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Moumoujus

BUTYLENE GLYCOL ISOSTEARATES.

Valuable / EMULSION STABILISING, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

A multi-functional ester that serves as both an emollient and emulsifying agent, creating smooth, non-greasy formulations while enhancing skin barrier function. This versatile ingredient fills intercellular gaps to improve skin texture and forms a protective film that reduces moisture loss.

Summary

emollient emulsifying surfactant skin conditioning penetration enhancer

Science

Mechanism of Action

Functions by filling spaces between corneocytes to create a smoother skin surface while forming a semi-occlusive barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. As an ester-based surfactant, it reduces oil-water interfacial tension to stabilize emulsions and provides sensory enhancement with a silky, non-greasy finish.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–10%
Optimal

2.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Patent WO2019136351A1 demonstrated effectiveness at 0.5-5% as penetration enhancer while preserving skin barrier integrity
  2. 02 Cosmile Europe data shows 1-10% concentration effectively reduces TEWL and improves spreadability in sunscreen formulations

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Not typically used for dusting purposes due to its functional role as emollient and emulsifier at meaningful concentrations

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 7.5
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains stability under standard conditions but susceptible to hydrolysis at extreme pH values outside optimal range

Synergies

  • cosmetic oils
  • waxes
  • other emollients

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents
  • highly alkaline ingredients

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
15%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

CIR assessment of butylene glycol and isostearic acid derivatives confirms safety for topical application at current usage levels

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A well-tolerated multifunctional ingredient that effectively combines emollient properties with emulsion stabilization for improved skin barrier function.

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References

Sources