Isopropyl titanium triisostearate is a chemical compound primarily used in cosmetic products for its light-dispersing properties and texture enhancement. This ingredient is particularly valuable in beauty products such as foundations, sunscreens, and long-lasting makeup items. 

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Isopropyl refers to an alkyl group derived from propane, commonly found in many chemical compounds and serving as a binder or solvent in various applications. In cosmetics, it enhances the solubility of ingredients or modifies their consistency.
• titanium refers to the chemical element titanium, known for its strength and lightness. In material chemistry, titanium compounds are often used for their durability-enhancing properties and UV resistance, contributing to the stability of the final product.
• triisostearate indicates that the compound contains three groups of isostearate, which are esters derived from isostearic acid. Isostearates are known for their emollient and stabilizing properties, helping to make cosmetic products softer on the skin and extend their wear.

Chemical Industrial Synthesis Process

Selection of base materials. The process begins with the selection of isostearic acid and isopropyl alcohol as the main raw materials.

Reaction. The isostearates are reacted with a titanium compound, typically titanium tetraisopropoxide, under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to form the titanium-isostearate complex.

Hydrolysis. The complex reacts with a controlled amount of water to initiate a hydrolysis process, transforming the complex into isopropyl titanium triisostearate.

Purification. The crude product is then purified through distillation or filtration to remove impurities and unreacted products.

Quality control. The final product undergoes various quality tests to ensure it meets desired technical specifications, including checks for chemical composition and physical properties.

What it is used for and where

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• 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.
• Surfactant - Emulsifying agent. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable and are used to soothe or soften the skin and emulsify, so they need a specific, stabilising ingredient. This ingredient forms a film, lowers the surface tension and makes two immiscible liquids miscible. A very important factor affecting the stability of the emulsion is the amount of the emulsifying agent. Emulsifiers have the property of reducing the oil/water or water/oil interfacial tension, improving the stability of the emulsion and also directly influencing the stability, sensory properties and surface tension of sunscreens by modulating the filmometric performance.

 Main uses and benefits of isopropyl titanium triisostearate:

Product Stability Improvement. It enhances the stability of cosmetic formulations, helping to prevent oil separation and improving the water resistance of products.

Opacifying Properties. Offers opacifying and light-reflecting properties, helping to minimize the appearance of skin imperfections and create a smoothing effect.

Even Application. Improves the spreadability of the product on the skin, allowing for a more even and smooth application of makeup.

Water Repellency. Imparts water-repellent properties to cosmetic products, making them more resistant to water and moisture, ideal for beach or sports makeup.

Compatibility with Sunscreen Filters. It is often used in sunscreen formulations to enhance the efficacy and even distribution of sunscreen agents on the skin.

Non-Greasy Feel. Helps to reduce the oily feel of some cosmetics, making the products more pleasant to wear.

Molecular Formula    C₅₇H₁₁₆O₇Ti

Molecular Weight    961.4 g/mol

CAS       61417-49-0

UNII  949E3KBJ1I

EC number   262-774-8

Bibliografia_____________________________________________________________________

Rossano M, Hucher N, Picard C, Colletta D, Le Foll F, Grisel M. Effects of aging on structure and stability of TiO2 nanoparticle-containing oil-in-water emulsions. Int J Pharm. 2014 Jan 30;461(1-2):89-96. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2013.11.039. Epub 2013 Nov 26. PMID: 24291079.