Ingredient glossary

Cetearyl Isononanoate

INCI: Cetearyl Isononanoate

Solid and proven

A genuinely useful ingredient with real evidence behind it, not hype.

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What it does

  • softening
  • film forming

moderate evidenceIncluded in broad alkyl ester safety assessments with low irritation potential and good skin conditioning performance.

On a label: usually effective at 1-10%.

Who it's for, and who should skip it

Tends to suit

  • normal
  • dry

Approach with care

  • acne prone if high
  • Clogs poresLow
  • Irritation riskLow

Plays well with

  • humectants
  • occlusives

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Educational information about a cosmetic ingredient, not medical advice.