Common Name(s): Octyldodecyl stearate,octyldodecyl stearate,octyldodecyl ester,branched c20 alcohol emollient
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides rich structured emolliency with moderate slip from the branched c20 alcohol with the branched c20 octyldodecyl alcohol skeleton โ the non-linear chain geometry creating low skin drag and non-greasy finish that distinguishes octyldodecyl esters from all linear-chain equivalents.
Why It's Used: Octyldodecyl stearate is selected for the octyldodecyl ester's luxury-texture benchmark โ the 2-octyldodecanol branched c20 skeleton provides the lowest skin drag, fastest spreading, and most elegant non-greasy feel in the cosmetic ester range, making it the reference standard for high-performance emollient texture.
How It Works: Octyldodecyl branching: c8 + c12 chains at c2 position โ molecular footprint mismatch โ reduced crystal packing โ liquid at skin temperature โ rapid spreading with negligible film residue.
Typically Found In: Premium skin care,serums,luxury formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Functional ingredient โ emollient
Secondary Functions: Barrier sealing,softening
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 1%โ25%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required
Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)
Source Notes: Plant-derived, synthetic or animal-derived. verify source. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 1/5 โ low; formulation-dependent
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Humectants,ceramides,actives as carrier
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Octyldodecyl esters are among the highest-cost emollient ingredients โ reserved for premium formulas where the elegantly lightweight texture justifies the cost premium over isopropyl or ethylhexyl alternatives.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,octyldodecyl stearate octyldodecyl ester emollient review