Isoleyl Alcohol is an unsaturated, branched-chain fatty alcohol typically produced from oleochemical sources and supplied as a clear to pale yellow liquid used as an emollient, co-surfactant, and intermediate for ester and ethoxylate production.
Isoleyl Alcohol is widely used in personal care formulations to improve spreadability, reduce greasiness, enhance solubilization of lipophilic ingredients, and support stable emulsions and microemulsions.
Isoleyl Alcohol is valued for excellent wetting, good compatibility with oils and surfactants, contribution to elegant sensory feel, and versatility as a feedstock for Isoleyl Alcohol ethoxylates, quats, and esters.
CAS Number: 27458-93-1 (commonly associated; supplier grade dependent)
EC Number: 248-469-5 (commonly associated; supplier grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: Variable (mixture of C18 unsaturated, branched alcohol isomers)
Molecular Weight: Variable (typical average around ~268–270 g/mol; grade dependent)
Synonyms: Isoleyl Alcohol, Isooleyl Alcohol, Branched Oleyl Alcohol, C18 Branched Unsaturated Alcohol, Isoleyl Alcohol Emollient, Isoleyl Alcohol Cosmetic Grade, Isooleyl Alcohol Emollient, Isoleyl Alcohol Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol Feedstock, Isoleyl Alcohol Co-surfactant, Isoleyl Alcohol Solubilizer, Isoleyl Alcohol Oleochemical, Isoleyl Alcohol, Isoleyl alcohol, ISOLEYL ALCOHOL, Isooleyl Alcohol, Iso-oleyl Alcohol, Isomerized Oleyl Alcohol, Isomerised Oleyl Alcohol, Branched Oleyl Alcohol, Branched C18 Unsaturated Alcohol, Branched C18:1 Alcohol, C18:1 Branched Alcohol, Isomeric Oleyl Alcohol, Oleyl Alcohol (Isomerized), Oleyl Alcohol Isomers, Isomerized Octadecenol, Isomerized Octadec-9-en-1-ol, Iso-Octadecenol, Iso-Octadec-9-enol, Isomeric Octadecenol, Branched Octadecenol, Isomerized Unsaturated Fatty Alcohol, Unsaturated Fatty Alcohol (Isomerized), Branched Unsaturated Fatty Alcohol, Isomerized Fatty Alcohol C18, Isomerized C18 Fatty Alcohol, C18 Unsaturated Fatty Alcohol (Isomerized), Isoleyl Alcohol (C18H36O), C18H36O, Isoleyl Alcohol 98%, Isoleyl Alcohol 99%, Isoleyl Alcohol Technical Grade, Isoleyl Alcohol Cosmetic Grade, Isoleyl Alcohol Pharmaceutical Grade, Isoleyl Alcohol Industrial Grade, Isoleyl Alcohol High Purity, Isoleyl Alcohol Low Odor, Isoleyl Alcohol Low Color, Isoleyl Alcohol Distilled, Isoleyl Alcohol Hydrogenated (grade dependent), Isoleyl Alcohol for Cosmetics, Isoleyl Alcohol Emollient, Isoleyl Alcohol Oil, Isoleyl Alcohol Raw Material, Isoleyl Alcohol Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol Feedstock, Isoleyl Alcohol Surfactant Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol Esterification Grade, Isoleyl Alcohol Plasticizer Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol Lubricant Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol Fragrance Carrier, Isoleyl Alcohol Solvent, Isoleyl Alcohol Co-solvent, Isoleyl Alcohol Nonionic Intermediate, Isoleyl Alcohol for Alkoxylation, Ethoxylated Isoleyl Alcohol (precursor), Propoxylated Isoleyl Alcohol (precursor), Isoleyl Alcohol Ethoxylate (precursor name), Isoleyl Alcohol Alkoxylate (precursor name)
APPLICATIONS
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in skin creams and lotions as an emollient to improve spreadability and reduce greasy after-feel.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into facial moisturizers to enhance slip and improve rub-in speed.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in body lotions to provide a soft, conditioning feel with good spread.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in serums and light emulsions to improve sensory elegance and reduce tack.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into gel-creams to improve emollient balance and skin feel.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in moisturizers designed for oily skin to provide emolliency without heaviness.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in sunscreen emulsions as a wetting and spreading aid for oil phases and UV filter systems.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into SPF products to improve uniform application and reduce drag during rub-in.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in after-sun products to improve softness and reduce sticky sensory notes.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in cleansing oils and makeup removers to dissolve makeup while improving glide.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into cleansing balms to reduce wax drag and improve spread on skin.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in rinse-off cleansing systems to improve emollient feel and reduce tightness after washing.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used as a co-surfactant in microemulsions to improve clarity and solubilization of oils and fragrances.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into clear fragrance mists to help solubilize perfume oils in compatible systems.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in transparent cleansing systems to improve solubilization of lipophilic additives.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in hair conditioners to improve softness, shine, and combability in compatible systems.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into hair masks to reduce frizz and improve manageability with a lightweight feel.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in leave-on hair creams to improve slip and reduce flyaways.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in hair serums and smoothing products to provide shine and reduce rough feel.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into heat-protection creams to improve spread and reduce sticky residues.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in styling creams to improve application glide and softness.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in deodorant sticks and creams to improve glide and reduce drag during application.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into anhydrous balms to improve spread and reduce waxy tack.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in body oils to improve slip and create a more elegant dry-oil feel.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used as a raw material to manufacture Isoleyl Alcohol ethoxylates used as nonionic surfactants and solubilizers.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into synthesis routes to produce fatty ester emollients such as isoleyl isostearate and related specialty esters.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used to produce cationic derivatives and quaternary compounds used in hair conditioning and antistatic applications.
Isoleyl Alcohol is used in industrial formulations as a wetting agent and solvent-like fatty alcohol in compatible systems.
Isoleyl Alcohol is incorporated into metalworking and specialty cleaning formulations where oily soil wetting is required.
Isoleyl Alcohol is valued because Isoleyl Alcohol provides versatile emollient and co-surfactant performance and serves as a key intermediate for many downstream oleochemical derivatives.
DESCRIPTION
Isoleyl Alcohol is typically a clear to pale yellow oily liquid with a mild characteristic odor, and Isoleyl Alcohol can show slight haze at lower temperatures depending on grade.
Isoleyl Alcohol is a mixture of branched, unsaturated C18 alcohol isomers, and this branching helps reduce crystallization and improves low-temperature fluidity compared to linear oleyl alcohol.
Isoleyl Alcohol provides emolliency by forming a light lubricating film, and Isoleyl Alcohol also improves wetting of pigments and oily soils in many systems.
Isoleyl Alcohol is often used as a co-surfactant because Isoleyl Alcohol can partition at interfaces and improve microemulsion formation and solubilization.
Isoleyl Alcohol compatibility depends on the surfactant system, electrolyte content, and oil phase composition, so stability testing is recommended in complex formulations.
Isoleyl Alcohol can oxidize over time due to unsaturation, so antioxidants and controlled storage conditions can improve odor and color stability.
Isoleyl Alcohol should be stored in tightly closed containers protected from heat, air, and light to minimize oxidation.
Isoleyl Alcohol should be handled with good hygiene and standard PPE to prevent irritation from prolonged contact.
Isoleyl Alcohol is typically used within cosmetic and chemical regulatory requirements and according to applicable regional ingredient restrictions.
PROPERTIES
Common Name: Isoleyl Alcohol
Chemical Type: Branched unsaturated fatty alcohol (oleochemical)
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow oily liquid
Odor: Mild characteristic odor
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in oils and many organic solvents
Carbon Chain: Predominantly C18 (branched, unsaturated)
Iodine Value: Grade dependent (reflects unsaturation)
Hydroxyl Value: Grade dependent
Viscosity: Low to medium viscosity (temperature and grade dependent)
Density: ~0.83–0.86 g/cm³ (typical; grade dependent)
Refractive Index: Grade dependent
Oxidative Stability: Moderate due to unsaturation; improved with antioxidants and proper storage
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; avoid strong oxidizers and excessive heat
Storage Temperature: 15–25°C, tightly closed, protected from light
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if mists are inhaled.
Seek medical attention if respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing aerosols during spraying or high-shear processing.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if a large amount is swallowed or discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid generating mists and avoid prolonged skin contact during manufacturing operations.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use general ventilation for routine handling.
Use local exhaust where mists may be generated during spraying or high-shear mixing.
Maintain good airflow during filling and transfer operations.
Storage:
Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, dry place.
Protect from heat, direct sunlight, and prolonged air exposure to reduce oxidation and odor change.
Keep away from strong oxidizers and sources of ignition.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Contain the spill and absorb with inert material such as sand or universal absorbent.
Clean the area with detergent and water while preventing slip hazards because fatty alcohols can make floors slippery.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations and facility procedures.
Handling Precautions:
Consider antioxidants in finished formulations where long shelf life and odor stability are critical due to unsaturation.
Use clean, dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination in cosmetic and specialty chemical production.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and sensory performance.