Isostearyl alcohol

Isostearyl alcohol (CAS 27458-93-1) is a branched-chain fatty alcohol derived from isostearic acid, commercially available under trade names including Aldo 66, Emery 3389, and Fine Oxocol. Its branched molecular structure distinguishes it from linear stearyl alcohol, preventing crystallisation and maintaining fluidity at room temperature.

In personal care formulations, it functions as an emollient and emulsifier, improving spreadability in creams and colour cosmetics by reducing interfacial tension between oil and water phases. In lubricant and metalworking applications, its branched structure provides film-forming lubricity and acts as a plasticiser in synthetic base fluids, reducing friction under load.

Isostearyl alcohol is supplied in cosmetic and industrial grades and falls under REACH registration requirements for EU market supply. It is not assigned an E-code, as it is not a food additive. Packaging typically follows standard bulk liquid formats, with documentation available to support REACH and cosmetic regulatory compliance.