Isostearyl behenate is a chemical compound, the ester resulting from the reaction of branched-chain stearyl alcohol with the behenic acid.

It appears as a white or off-white powder at room temperature.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss.  Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Isostearyl behenate is used in cosmetic formulations to improve the texture and feel of the product. It can give products a dense, creamy texture. It  can also act as a viscosity-enhancing agent, helping to stabilise the formulation of cosmetic products and maintain their consistency.

• Molecular Formula C₄₀H₈₀O₂
• Molecular Weight    593.1 g/mol
• CAS  125804-16-2
• UNII    NA95U012OW
• Nikkaji   J1.611.275E
• EC Number