Skincare Ingredient Audit
Isocetyl Stearate
CRITICAL COMEDOGENIC RISK
5
Safety Score
1.0/5
★☆☆☆☆
The AI Verdict
Isocetyl Stearate is an extremely heavy ester used to condition and thicken skincare products, but it comes with a massive downside. It carries a severe 5/5 comedogenic rating. It creates an occlusive, heavy seal over the pores that traps dead skin cells and sebum, almost guaranteeing the formation of closed comedones, blackheads, and severe acne in acne-prone individuals.
Chemical Profile & Risk Factors
Isocetyl Stearate
Comedogenic Rating 5/5
A combination of isocetyl alcohol and stearic acid. While it gives a soft, silky feel to cosmetics, it is highly problematic for the skin barrier due to its dense pore-clogging molecular structure.
Stearic Acid Base
High Congestion Risk
Derived from highly comedogenic fatty acids, it can harden inside pores when mixed with natural sebum, creating stubborn congestion.
Detailed Specifications
Comedogenic Rating:
5 out of 5 (Maximum Risk)
Oily & Acne-Prone Match:
Avoid at all costs
Function in Formula:
Emollient, Thickening Agent
Common Replacements:
Squalane, Jojoba Oil