What a 5/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 5 is the top of the scale — highly likely to clog pores when used at meaningful concentration. That means Isocetyl Stearate deserves attention if you break out easily, especially when it appears high on an ingredient list.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so Isocetyl Stearate near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Isocetyl Stearate
It is a synthetic ester — an oil-and-alcohol reaction product engineered for a smooth, quick-absorbing slip. A heavy emollient ester that leaves a rich, cushioned feel. Non-irritating but a maximum 5/5 on the comedogenic scale.
Isocetyl Stearate in makeup and skincare
It is a workhorse of foundations, primers, sunscreens, and mascara, where a fast, silky slip sells the texture. Its irritancy is rated separately at 0/5, which is low.
If you deal with fungal acne (malassezia folliculitis) rather than ordinary clogged pores, note that Isocetyl Stearate is among the fatty-acid or ester-type ingredients that community sources commonly avoid — a separate concern from its comedogenic score, and one with weaker evidence behind it.
Lower-rated alternatives to Isocetyl Stearate
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
- Squalane — comedogenic rating 1/5 (Low risk).
Isocetyl Stearate comedogenic FAQ
Is Isocetyl Stearate comedogenic?
It can be. Isocetyl Stearate is rated 5/5 (high risk) on the 0–5 comedogenic scale, so it has a real chance of clogging pores on acne-prone skin, especially high on an ingredient list.
What is the comedogenic rating of Isocetyl Stearate?
Isocetyl Stearate has a comedogenic rating of 5/5 (high risk). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, none rate higher than Isocetyl Stearate, 177 rate lower, and 12 others share its 5/5. Among the 24 rated esters, none rate higher and 19 lower. The figure is drawn from 2 cited sources, listed on this page.
Is Isocetyl Stearate pore-clogging?
It is one of the more likely ones. At 5/5, Isocetyl Stearate is in the high-risk band. It matters most when it appears near the top of an ingredient list, where it makes up a larger share of the product. Comedogenic ratings come mostly from rabbit-ear assays and small human patch tests of the pure ingredient at high concentration, so they are a screening guide, not a prediction for your skin or a medical claim.