It can be used as a lubricant, that can improve the flow of a powder mixture. It has excellent spreadability without oiliness and can be easily used in a cosmetic which not only moisturizes skin but also does not leave any oily feel. However, in cosmetic formulation, it is used as a binder to form cake-like compact powder or eye shadow. It is also used in cleansing and emulsifying agents, because of the presence of both ionic and nonionic groups. It is used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products.
ChEBI: 16-methylheptadecanoic acid is a methyl-branched fatty acid that is heptadecanoic acid (margaric acid) substituted by a methyl group at position 16. It is a branched-chain saturated fatty acid, a long-chain fatty acid and a methyl-branched fatty acid. It is functionally related to a heptadecanoic acid.
In clinical studies, no signs of irritation were observed with undiluted Isostearic Acid. Isostearic Acid was neither an irritant nor a sensitizer and gave no indication of phototoxicity. Although there was some evidence that Isostearic Acid may contribute to the formation of comedones (acne-like skin bumps), the CIR Expert Pane noted that availabe tests were not adequate to predict the potential for human comedogenicity.
