Isostearyl Neopentanoate is an ester derived from isostearyl alcohol and neopentanoic acid. It is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care products due to its emollient, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties. This ester is known for its lightweight, non-greasy feel and excellent spreadability, making it a popular ingredient in formulations aimed at enhancing skin texture and providing a smooth application.

Chemical Composition and Structure:
Isostearyl Neopentanoate is a synthetic ester composed of:

• Isostearyl Alcohol: A long-chain fatty alcohol, which is a derivative of stearyl alcohol. It provides emollient and moisturizing properties.
• Neopentanoic Acid: A branched-chain fatty acid that contributes to the ester’s stability and skin-feel characteristics.

The chemical structure consists of a long hydrocarbon chain from the isostearyl alcohol and a shorter, branched chain from neopentanoic acid, creating a balanced ester with desirable sensory and functional properties.

Physical Properties:
Isostearyl Neopentanoate is typically a clear to slightly yellow, viscous liquid. It has a mild, almost neutral odor and is known for its smooth, silky texture. It is soluble in many organic solvents but is insoluble in water. The ester provides a non-greasy, lightweight feel on the skin and enhances the spreadability of formulations.

Production Process:

1. Synthesis: The ester is synthesized through the reaction of isostearyl alcohol with neopentanoic acid, typically using an acid catalyst. This process involves esterification, where the hydroxyl group of the alcohol reacts with the carboxyl group of the acid.
2. Purification: The resulting ester is purified to remove any residual reactants and by-products, ensuring a high-quality final product.
3. Formulation: The purified Isostearyl Neopentanoate is then incorporated into various cosmetic and personal care products.

Applications:

• Cosmetics: Used in a wide range of skincare and makeup products, including creams, lotions, and foundations, for its emollient and moisturizing properties. It helps improve skin texture, provides a smooth application, and enhances product stability.
• Personal Care Products: Incorporated into products like lipsticks, balms, and hair conditioners to add emolliency and improve the sensory experience.
• Pharmaceuticals: Occasionally used in topical pharmaceutical formulations to enhance skin feel and product performance.

Environmental and Safety Considerations:

• Environmental Impact: The production of Isostearyl Neopentanoate should follow environmentally responsible practices to minimize waste and energy use. Proper handling and disposal of chemical by-products are essential.
• Safety: Generally regarded as safe for topical use. However, as with all cosmetic ingredients, it is important to follow recommended usage guidelines to avoid potential skin sensitivities or adverse reactions. Safety assessments should be conducted for new formulations or high concentrations.

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.

Antistatic agent. Static electricity build-up has a direct influence on products and causes electrostatic adsorption. The antistatic ingredient reduces static build-up and surface resistivity on the surface of the skin and hair.

CAS: 58958-60-4