Isononyl isononanoate is an emollient ester with a rich and creamy but non-greasy feel. It softens the skin. The esters of nonanoic acid occur naturally in the oil of pelargonium, a group of flowering plants. It has unique characteristics including extremely low freeze point, low viscosity, and excellent solubility and compatibility in a variety of ingredients such as esters, volatile silicones, mineral, and vegetable oils. Isononyl isononanoate in skin care helps to maintain the skin’s softness and plasticity while forming a semi-occlusive film that moisturizes the skin, reduces the itchy sensation of dry skin, and improves the stratum corneum, which is the outermost layer of the skin by preventing the evaporation of the skin’s natural moisture. It also functions as an antistatic agent which reduces static electricity and prevents the hair or skin to be electrically charged.
What is ISONONYL ISONONANOATE used for?
Isononyl isononanoate is used in cosmetic products like lipsticks, foundation, blush, concealer, serums, nail polish, gloss, shampoos, etc. It is typically used in cosmetics in concentrations between 2-10%.
- Skin care: It works as an emollient and a texture enhancer of the formulation. As an emollient, isononyl isononanoate is often found in creams, lotions, and facial moisturizers. As a texture enhancer, isononyl isononanoate offers superior spreadability and a dry touch feel. It gives skincare products a distinctive velvety feel. Additionally, it acts as a replacement for volatile silicones in antiperspirants where it reduces tackiness and prevents clogging in aerosols
- Hair care: It works as an antistatic agent. It further reduces the tangling of hair by smoothing and flattening the cuticle surface, which can also add shine and gloss to the hair. It leaves the hair feeling soft and silky without weighing it down or making it feel greasy
Origin
Isononyl isononanoate is derived from the esters of nonanoic acid, a nine-carbon fatty acid that is naturally found in many plant oils like cocoa oil and lavender oil. It can also be produced by the esterification of isononyl alcohol and isononanoic acid.
Safety profile
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel has determined that isononyl isononanoate is safe in its current use and concentration in cosmetic products but is subject to use limitations. It found that in concentrations of less than 12%, nonanoic acid is not a skin irritant.