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ISOSTEARYL GLYCERYL ETHER.

Valuable / SKIN CONDITIONING

Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, derived from isostearyl alcohol and glycerin, is a versatile ingredient that profoundly conditions the skin, enhancing its texture and hydration. It functions as an effective emollient, while also serving as a robust PEG-free emulsifier for stable water-in-oil formulations.

Summary

Skin-conditioning agent Emollient Emulsifier

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether acts as an emollient, improving softness and smoothness by providing exogenous lipids. These lipids integrate into intercorneocyte clusters, strengthening the skin barrier, enhancing hydration, and offering protection against inflammation. It also forms a surface barrier that effectively reduces transepidermal water loss. In cosmetic formulations, it performs as a potent water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifier, stabilizing challenging emulsions, even those with high water content. This stabilization is achieved by forming a hydrophobic reversed hexagonal liquid crystalline phase, resulting in formulations with easy spreadability, a non-greasy feel, and improved water resistance.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether exhibits poor solubility in water, making it ideal for oil-phase incorporation. As a PEG-free emulsifier with a low HLB value, it is particularly effective for stabilizing water-in-oil (W/O) emulsions, including those with significant water content. Its mechanism involves forming a hydrophobic reversed hexagonal liquid crystalline phase, which ensures excellent emulsion characteristics and stability across a broad temperature range. This contributes to formulations that resist water and provide a pleasant, non-sticky feel.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Sensitization risk Low

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel has concluded that Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether, along with other alkyl glyceryl ethers, is safe for use in cosmetic products under current practices. It is generally well-tolerated across most skin types and is not recognized as a common allergen. Formulators should, however, consider its noted ability to enhance skin penetration of other ingredients. The ingredient was reported in the FDA's Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) in 2011.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

A valuable multi-functional ingredient, Isostearyl Glyceryl Ether effectively conditions skin, reinforces the skin barrier, and provides excellent emulsion stability for water-in-oil formulations, suitable for all skin types.

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