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Ingredient directory

Butylene Glycol Sesquiisostearate

A multifunctional ester that serves as both an emollient and emulsifying agent in skincare formulations. This oil-soluble ingredient creates a lightweight, non-greasy film on skin while helping stabilize product textures. Its unique sesqui-ester structure provides superior skin conditioning properties compared to standard glycol esters.

Directory entry · Individual source review pending

This profile is awaiting an individual source review. Treat its ratings, dose estimates and compatibility labels as provisional; they are not medical advice or proof of a finished product’s effects.

emollient emulsifying skin-conditioning surfactant

Science

Creates a protective barrier on the skin's surface that reduces transepidermal water loss while improving skin texture and slip. The molecule's 1.5 ester structure enables dual functionality as both an emollient and surfactant, helping to stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions while conditioning the skin.


Research

Medium confidence
Effective range 2.5–5%
Optimal

2.5%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated effective emulsifying and conditioning properties in stable cosmetic formulations

Transparency

Not commonly dusted

Not typically used for dusting purposes; functions primarily as a formulation aid and skin conditioner


The Formula

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4 – 8
0 7 14

Stability

Maintains stability under normal storage conditions but undergoes hydrolysis in extreme pH environments, breaking down into butylene glycol and isostearic acid

Synergies

  • Other emollients
  • Co-emulsifiers
  • Oil-phase ingredients

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Highly acidic formulations (pH <3.0)
  • Strongly alkaline formulations (pH >9.0)

Safety

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
5%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Evaluated under CIR's Glycol Esters and Isostearates safety assessments with excellent safety profile and minimal dermal absorption


Your Skin

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

Our Assessment

Valuable

A well-tolerated multifunctional ingredient that effectively conditions skin while supporting stable formulations.


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