PRODUCTS

C16-ISONONANOATE

C16-Isononanoate is a branched-chain fatty acid ester formed by the esterification of cetyl alcohol and isononanoic acid, widely used in cosmetics for its light, non-greasy, and silky skin feel.
C16-Isononanoate functions as an emollient, spreading agent, and skin-conditioning ingredient in a variety of personal care products, including moisturizers, sunscreens, makeup, and hair conditioners.
C16-Isononanoate's stability, low volatility, and excellent compatibility with active ingredients make it valuable in both cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations, as well as in industrial applications like lubricants and coatings.

CAS Number: 84878-33-1
EC Number: 284-424-3
Molecular Formula: C25H50O2
Molecular Weight: 382.7 g/mol

Synonyms: hexadecyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, octanoic acid, 7-methyl-, hexadecyl ester, Hexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, hexadecyl ester, hexadecyl isononanoate, isononanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, Isononanoicacid, hexadecyl ester, C16-Isononanoate, Hexadecyl isononanoate, EINECS 284-424-3, Z371W2270H, Isononanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, C16-Isononanoate [INCI], SCHEMBL13734568, UNII-Z371W2270H, HJQLXIPVQPEJRY-UHFFFAOYSA-N, Hexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, hexadecyl ester, Q27294936, hexadecyl 7 methyloctanoate, hexadecyl isononanoate, octanoic acid, 7-methyl-, hexadecyl ester, Einecs 284-424-3, C16-Isononanoate, hexadecyl isononanoate, Isononanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, hexadecyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, hexadecyl isononanoate, cetyl isonononanoate, cetyl‑stearyl‑isononanoate, cetearyl isononanoate, cetylstearylisononanoat, setearil isononanoate, hexadecyl stearyl‑isononanoate, Isononanoic acid, C_16‑18‑alkyl esters, UNII‑Z371W2270H, SCHEMBL13734568, HJQLXIPVQPEJRY‑UHFFFAOYSA‑N, CosIng 74960, EINECS 284‑424‑3, Setil izononanoate, steril izononanoate, hexadecyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate, octanoic acid, 7-methyl-, hexadecyl ester, Hexanoic acid, 3,5,5-trimethyl-, hexadecyl ester, hexadecyl isononanoate, isononanoic acid, hexadecyl ester, Isononanoicacid, hexadecyl ester, iso nonanoic acid, C16-18-alkyl esters, Cetearyl isononanoate, CETOSTEARYL ISONONANOATE (EP IMPURITY), CETOSTEARYL ISONONANOATE [EP IMPURITY], CETOSTEARYL ISONONANOATE (EP MONOGRAPH), CETOSTEARYL ISONONANOATE [EP MONOGRAPH], SABODERM CSN, TEGOSOFT CI, CETIOL SN, CETOSTEARYL ISONONANOATE, P5O01U99NI, DUB IN 1618, CETEARYL ISONONANOATE [INCI], CETEARYL ISONONANOATE [WHO-DD], Hexadecyl 7-methyloctanoate, 84878-33-1, Isononanoicacid, hexadecyl ester, SCHEMBL27696088, DTXSID801005170

C16-Isononanoate is an ester compound formed by the reaction of cetyl alcohol (hexadecanol, C₁₆H₃₄O) and isononanoic acid (C₉H₁₈O₂).
C16-Isononanoate belongs to the class of branched-chain fatty acid esters and is commonly used in cosmetic and personal care formulations due to its excellent emollient, spreading, and skin-conditioning properties.

C16-Isononanoate appears as a clear, oily liquid or waxy substance, depending on purity and composition.
C16-Isononanoate is hydrophobic (insoluble in water) but miscible with oils and lipophilic solvents, making it an ideal component in oil-based formulations, such as moisturizers, sunscreens, lipsticks, and hair conditioners.

C16-Isononanoate is prized for its light, non-greasy feel, which helps improve the texture and application of skincare products without leaving an oily residue.
C16-Isononanoate enhances spreadability, improves skin softness, and can act as a carrier for active ingredients.
The branched structure of the isononanoate group reduces crystallinity, giving it better flow and smoother aesthetics on the skin.

In addition to its use in cosmetics, C16-isononanoate may also serve as an intermediate in chemical synthesis, particularly in the formulation of specialty lubricants and plasticizers due to its thermal and oxidative stability.

C16-Isononanoate is an ester that forms when cetyl alcohol reacts with isononanoic acid, giving a silky lightweight oil.
Both starting materials are usually made in a lab but they can also be sourced from plant oils or petrochemicals.

Chemists heat and combine them in a process called esterification, then purify the result so it meets cosmetic grade standards.
C16-Isononanoate first appeared in skin care labs in the late 1970s as brands looked for smoother alternatives to heavy oils.

C16-Isononanoate's dry satiny feel quickly made C16-Isononanoate popular in face creams, makeup primers and sunscreens.
Today you will spot C16-Isononanoate in moisturizers, anti-aging serums, sheet masks, cleansing balms, foundations, lipsticks and even hair conditioners where it helps products glide and leaves a soft after-feel.

C16-Isononanoate has excellent emulsification, dispersing and wetting ability.
C16-Isononanoate has good solubilization of active substances.

C16-Isononanoate is stable and not easy to oxidize.
C16-Isononanoate is an ester of cetyl alcohol with a branched chain nonanoic acid.

C16-Isononanoate is an ester of Cetearyl Alcohol (q.v.) and a branched chain nonanoic acid.
C16-Isononanoate is a traditional, medium spreading emollient for modern cosmetic applications.

C16-Isononanoate mean molecular weight, and a spreading value of approx. 700 mm²/10 min.
C16-Isononanoate has a viscosity (20°C) of 19-22 mPas, a cloud point of < 15°C, a refractive index (20°C) of 1.4480-1.4500, and a density (20°C) of 0.856 g/cm³.

C16-Isononanoate is part of the "Mass Balance" range, based on RSPO-certified palm kernel oil.
C16-Isononanoate is a versatile cosmetic ingredient that is widely used in skincare and personal care products.

C16-Isononanoate is a fatty acid ester that has excellent emollient properties, meaning it can help to soften and smooth the skin and hair.
C16-Isononanoate also has a low viscosity, so it is easier to incorporate in a range of different formulations.

C16-Isononanoate can commonly be found in products like moisturizers, sunscreens, conditioners, and makeup.
The chemical formula of C16-Isononanoate is C25H50O2.

C16-Isononanoate is a widely used ingredient in the personal care and cosmetic industry.
C16-Isononanoate is primarily an emollient that helps in nourishing and hydrating the skin, leaving it soft and supple.

Further, C16-Isononanoate also acts as a lubricant in hair care products to improve the texture of the shafts and control frizz.
Additionally, C16-Isononanoate is a good emulsifier that stabilizes cosmetic formulations and provides them with a smooth and silky texture.
C16-Isononanoate also forms a protective barrier on skin and hair to protect them from harmful environmental stressors.

C16-Isononanoate is a medium viscous emollient with hydrophobic properties, which when added to a cosmetic product will help to soften, smooth and lubricate the skin.
C16-Isononanoate offers hydrophobic film which prevent skin from drying.

C16-Isononanoate is well tolerated by the human skin.
C16-Isononanoate is a good solubilizer for active ingredients and UV filters.

C16-Isononanoate is stable to oxidation.
C16-Isononanoate's a clear, slightly yellowish oil (comes from coconut or palm kernel oil) that is used as a traditional, medium spreading emollient.

C16-Isononanoate is a branched-chain fatty acid ester, chemically formed through the esterification of cetyl alcohol (hexadecanol, C₁₆H₃₄O) and isononanoic acid (C₉H₁₈O₂).
C16-Isononanoate belongs to the family of long-chain fatty acid esters, specifically branched-chain monoesters, which are widely used in cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and industrial applications.

The "C16" in C16-Isononanoate's name refers to the 16-carbon chain of cetyl alcohol, while "isononanoate" refers to the branched 9-carbon acid moiety derived from isononanoic acid.
The molecular structure of C16-Isononanoate imparts unique physical and chemical properties that are highly desirable in formulation science.

Physically, C16-Isononanoate appears as a clear, colorless to pale yellow oily liquid or semi-solid wax, depending on the degree of purity and ambient temperature.
C16-Isononanoate has low polarity, low viscosity, and is virtually insoluble in water, but is soluble in most oils and organic solvents.

C16-Isononanoate has a light emollient texture and a non-greasy afterfeel, which makes it especially useful in skin care and hair care products.
C16-Isononanoate does not contribute to skin stickiness or heaviness, making it ideal for applications that require quick absorption and a dry-touch finish.

Market Overview of C16-Isononanoate:
C16-Isononanoate is experiencing growing demand across global markets, particularly in the cosmetic and personal care industry.
As a branched-chain ester derived from isononanoic acid and cetyl alcohol, C16-Isononanoate is widely valued for its light, non-greasy emollient properties, making it ideal for use in skin creams, sunscreens, conditioners, and makeup formulations.

The global market for isononanoic acid, a key raw material, was valued at approximately USD 346–377 million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 578–651 million by 2034, with a steady CAGR of 5.2–5.5%.
Parallel to this, the market for cetyl and cetearyl isononanoates—the cosmetic esters—is forecasted to grow from around USD 150–250 million in 2024 to USD 250–400 million by 2032, with even higher CAGR estimates of 5.2–6.5%.

This growth is driven by increasing consumer preference for non-comedogenic, fast-absorbing moisturizers and the shift toward eco-friendly and vegan formulations.
Asia-Pacific leads the global demand, while Europe and North America continue to innovate with bio-based and high-purity grades.
As the beauty and skincare industries evolve, C16-Isononanoate stands out as a high-performance, sustainable ingredient with expanding commercial significance.

Uses of C16-Isononanoate:
C16-Isononanoate is a well‑characterized, safe, and versatile cosmetic ester, valued for its emollient, conditioning, and sensory-enhancing properties.
C16-Isononanoate is stable, non-volatile, and compatible with many ingredients, it is used across skin, hair, and sun care formulations.

C16-Isononanoate's safety is supported by regulatory assessments and decades of cosmetic use.
C16-Isononanoate does not increase photosensitivity and can be used day or night.
C16-Isononanoate also plays nicely with common actives like retinoids, vitamin C and niacinamide without destabilizing them.

C16-Isononanoate can be used as a softener, conditioner, etc.
C16-Isononanoate is useful in hair conditioners as a conditioning agent.

C16-Isononanoate is widely used in the cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors due to its excellent emollient, spreading, and stabilizing properties.
In cosmetic formulations, C16-Isononanoate is commonly used in moisturizers, sunscreens, primers, foundations, lipsticks, and hair care products to enhance skin feel, improve spreadability, and provide a non-greasy, silky texture.

C16-Isononanoate helps deliver active ingredients evenly across the skin and supports the stability of oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions.
In hair products, C16-Isononanoate reduces frizz and adds shine without weighing hair down.

In the pharmaceutical field, C16-Isononanoate is used as a vehicle in topical drug delivery systems due to its low irritation profile and compatibility with sensitive skin.
Industrially, C16-Isononanoate is used in lubricants, plasticizers, coatings, and metalworking fluids, where it offers low volatility, oxidation resistance, and excellent lubrication.
C16-Isononanoate's biodegradability and mild profile also make it a preferred choice in eco-friendly and vegan formulations.

Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications:
In the cosmetic industry, C16-Isononanoate functions primarily as an emollient, solvent, spreading agent, and skin-conditioning agent.

C16-Isononanoate is used in a wide range of formulations, including:
Moisturizing creams and lotions
Sunscreens
Lipsticks and lip balms
Foundations and primers
Hair conditioners and leave-in treatments

C16-Isononanoate's branched structure helps prevent crystallization at low temperatures, improving the stability and flow of emulsions and oil-based formulations.
C16-Isononanoate provides a silky, smooth feel on the skin and enhances the spreadability of actives and pigments.
Moreover, C16-Isononanoate can improve the penetration of other lipophilic ingredients by acting as a carrier oil in transdermal or dermal delivery systems.

Industrial and Pharmaceutical Relevance:
Beyond cosmetics, C16-Isononanoate is used in industrial lubricants, coatings, and plasticizers, where it serves as a low-volatility, thermally stable component.
C16-Isononanoate's ester backbone imparts good oxidative resistance and lubricity, making it suitable for precision machinery, textile treatments, and metalworking fluids.

In pharmaceutical formulations, C16-Isononanoate may be used as a vehicle for oil-soluble drug delivery systems, topical emulsions, or occlusive agents in dermatological preparations.
Due to its biocompatibility and low toxicity, C16-Isononanoate is often favored in formulations intended for sensitive skin or baby care.

Benefits of C16-Isononanoate:

Emollient / Skin Conditioner:
C16-Isononanoate softens skin, imparts a smooth, non-greasy feel; replaces volatile silicones.

Hair Conditioning Agent:
C16-Isononanoate enhances combability, softness, volume, shine.

Solvent / Solubilizer:
C16-Isononanoate is effective carrier for UV filters, actives.

Esthetic Modifier:
C16-Isononanoate offers a dry, silky after-feel; delivers quick-dry sensation.

Anti-occlusive Film Former:
C16-Isononanoate helps protect against dehydration/water loss.

Cosmetic Benefits:

This versatile ester, C16-Isononanoate, delivers a couple of key perks when blended into beauty formulas:

Skin conditioning:
C16-Isononanoate leaves a soft, supple finish on skin which can improve texture and overall feel.

Emollient:
C16-Isononanoate fills in tiny gaps on the skin surface helping to smooth rough patches reduce moisture loss and boost spreadability so products apply evenly.

Origin of C16-Isononanoate:
C16-Isononanoate is made by combining cetearyl alcohol, a fatty alcohol derived from natural sources such as coconut or palm oil, with isononanoic acid, a branched-chain carboxylic acid.
The two components are chemically reacted to form the ester, which is then purified and used as an ingredient in cosmetic formulations.

Production of C16-Isononanoate:
C16-Isononanoate is produced through a chemical esterification reaction between cetyl alcohol (a long-chain fatty alcohol with 16 carbon atoms, also known as hexadecanol) and isononanoic acid (a branched C9 fatty acid).
This reaction is a type of condensation reaction in which a hydroxyl group (–OH) from the alcohol and a carboxyl group (–COOH) from the acid combine to form an ester bond, releasing water as a byproduct.

Chemical Reaction:
C16H34OH (cetyl alcohol)+C9H18O2 (isononanoic acid)→C16-Isononanoate+H2O

Process Steps:

Raw Material Preparation:
Cetyl alcohol is typically derived from natural sources (e.g., coconut or palm oil) or synthetically produced.
Isononanoic acid is usually made via oxo synthesis, where butenes or nonenes are hydroformylated to form branched aldehydes, then oxidized to acids.

Esterification Reaction:
The alcohol and acid are mixed in appropriate stoichiometric ratios.
A catalyst, such as sulfuric acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid, or acidic ion-exchange resin, is added to accelerate the reaction.
The mixture is heated (typically 100–150°C) under reflux to drive the reaction forward while preventing the loss of volatile components.

Water Removal:
As water is formed during esterification, C16-Isononanoate must be continuously removed to shift the equilibrium toward ester formation.
This is often done using azeotropic distillation (e.g., with toluene) or under reduced pressure.

Purification:
The crude product is washed, neutralized, and dried.
Vacuum distillation or filtration may be applied to remove unreacted materials and byproducts, resulting in high-purity C16-Isononanoate.

Packaging and Stabilization:
The final ester is stabilized (if needed) with antioxidants and stored in airtight containers to protect against oxidation or hydrolysis.

Industrial Production Notes:
The production is scalable, making it suitable for both laboratory-grade and industrial-scale manufacturing.
Leading chemical companies like BASF, OQ Chemicals, and KH Neochem produce isononanoic acid and its esters, including cetyl isononanoate, for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and specialty lubricants.

Environmental and Regulatory Aspects:
The production process is well-established, and modern techniques aim to reduce energy usage, solvent emissions, and wastewater generation.
The final product is biodegradable, and its use is permitted under cosmetic and REACH regulations when manufactured according to good manufacturing practices (GMP).

Handling and Storage of C16-Isononanoate:

Precautions for safe handling:
Do not eat or drink while working.

Conditions for safe storage, including any incompatibilities:
Keep away from food, drink and feed.
Instructions as regards storage premises:
Adequately ventilated premises.

Specific end use(s): None in particular.

Stability and Reactivity of C16-Isononanoate:

Chemical stability:
The product is chemically stable under standard ambient conditions (room temperature).

Possibility of hazardous reactions:
No data available

First Aid Measures of C16-Isononanoate:

Eye Contact:
Obtain medical attention.
If substance has got into the eyes, immediately wash out with plenty of water for at least 10 minutes.

Skin Contact:
Remove contaminated clothing and wash affected skin with plenty of water.
Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.

Inhalation:
Apply artificial respiration if breathing has ceased or shows signs of failing.
Administer oxygen if necessary.
If symptoms develop, obtain medical attention.

Ingestion:
Obtain medical attention.
Do not induce vomiting.

Indication of the immediate medical attention and special treatment needed:
Increased difficultly breathing.

Fire Fighting Measures of C16-Isononanoate:

Extinguishing media:

Suitable extinguishing media:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Foam
Dry powder

Unsuitable extinguishing media:
For this substance/mixture no limitations of extinguishing agents are given.

Further information:
Prevent fire extinguishing water from contaminating surface water or the ground water system.

Accidental Release Measures of C16-Isononanoate:

Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures:
Wear personal protection equipment.
Remove persons to safety.

Environmental precautions:
Do not allow to enter into soil/subsoil.
Do not allow to enter into surface water or drains.

Retain contaminated washing water and dispose it.
Suitable material for taking up: absorbing material, organic, sand.

Methods and material for containment and cleaning up:
Wash with plenty of water.

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection of C16-Isononanoate:

Personal protective equipment:

Eye/face protection:
Use equipment for eye protection.
Safety glasses

Body Protection:
protective clothing

Respiratory protection:
Recommended Filter type: Filter A

Control of environmental exposure:
Do not let product enter drains.

Identifiers of C16-Isononanoate:
Common Name: C16-Isononanoate
IUPAC Name: Hexadecyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate
Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₅₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 382.67 g/mol
Structure: Ester of cetyl alcohol (C₁₆H₃₄OH) and isononanoic acid (C₉H₁₈O₂)

CAS Number: 59219-71-5
EC (EINECS) Number: 261-619-1
PubChem CID: Not separately listed (part of mixtures)
REACH Registration: Registered in EU (tonnage band ≥100 t/y)
TSCA Inventory: Listed (USA)
INCI Monograph: Approved for cosmetic use
FEMA (if flavor use): Not typically assigned

Common Name: C16-Isononanoate
INCI Name (Cosmetics): Cetyl Isononanoate
IUPAC Name: Hexadecyl 3,5,5-trimethylhexanoate
Molecular Formula: C₂₅H₅₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 382.67 g/mol
Chemical Structure Type: Branched-chain fatty acid ester
SMILES (Simplified Notation): CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOC(=O)CC(C)(C)CCC(C)(C)C
InChI: InChI=1S/C25H50O2/c1-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17-18-19-20-21-27-24(26)22-23(2,3)6-5-4-6/h4-22H2,1-3H3
InChIKey: XPFJLSWIRBDMGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
CAS Registry Number: 59219-71-5
EC/EINECS Number: 261-619-1

Properties of C16-Isononanoate:
Molecular Weight: 382.67190000
Assay:95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed:No
Boiling Point:419.63 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg (est)
Flash Point:413.00 °F. TCC ( 211.50 °C. ) (est)
logP (o/w):11.683 (est)
Solubility: Insoluble in water.
Soluble in hot ethanol.
Appearance and colour: LIQUID , COLORLESS
Odour: N.A.
Odour threshold: N.A.

pH: N.A.
Melting point / freezing point: N.A.
Initial boiling point and boiling range: > 200°C
Solid/gas flammability: N.A.
Upper/lower flammability or explosive limits: N.A.
Vapour density: N.A.
Flash point: > 100°C ° C
Evaporation rate: N.A.
Vapour pressure: N.A.
Relative density: N.A.
EWG's Food Scores: 1
FDA UNII: Z371W2270H
Appearance: Clear, colorless or faintly yellow liquid
Density: ~0.85–0.86 (relative)
Viscosity: ~15–30 mPa·s
Water Solubility: Practically insoluble
Soluble/Miscible in: Ethanol, petroleum ether; miscible with oils & paraffins
Refractive Index: ~1.44–1.45
Log P (XlogP): Highly lipophilic (large hydrocarbon chains)
Oxidative Stability: Chemically stable; resistant to oxidation

Assay: 95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: No
Soluble in: water, 1.49e-006 mg/L @ 25 °C (est)
Molecular Weight: 382.67190000
Assay:95.00 to 100.00
Food Chemicals Codex Listed:No
Boiling Point:419.63 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg (est)
Flash Point:413.00 °F. TCC ( 211.50 °C. ) (est)
logP (o/w):11.683 (est)
Solubility: Insoluble in water.

Molecular Weight: 382.7 g/mol
XLogP3-AA: 11.1
Hydrogen Bond Donor Count: 0
Hydrogen Bond Acceptor Count: 2
Rotatable Bond Count: 22
Exact Mass: 382.381080833 Da
Monoisotopic Mass: 382.381080833 Da
Topological Polar Surface Area: 26.3 Å²
Heavy Atom Count: 27
Complexity: 299
Isotope Atom Count: 0
Defined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Atom Stereocenter Count: 0
Defined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Undefined Bond Stereocenter Count: 0
Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 1
Compound Is Canonicalized: Yes