Is Isopropyl stearate safe for babies and kids?
Context-dependent for kids(Babies-specific data is limited; this page draws from human pregnant context.) Pregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Isopropyl stearate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
What is isopropyl stearate?
The IUPAC name is isopropyl octadecanoate.
Also known as: isopropyl octadecanoate, IPS, stearic acid isopropyl ester, isopropyl ester of stearic acid.
- IUPAC name
- isopropyl octadecanoate
- CAS number
- 112-10-7
- Molecular formula
- C21H42O2
- Molecular weight
- 322.57 g/mol
- SMILES
- CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)C.[Cl-]
- PubChem CID
- 8154
Risk for babies
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Isopropyl stearate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
Context-dependentPregnancy alters the metabolism and distribution of Isopropyl stearate, potentially increasing fetal exposure. The developing embryo/fetus is vulnerable during organogenesis (weeks 3-8) and neurological development. Placental transfer should be assumed.
No specific reproductive toxicity data identified, but pregnancy-specific safety data is limited for most chemicals. Precautionary minimization of exposure is recommended.
Regulatory consensus
2 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified Isopropyl stearate. The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU_Cosmetics_Regulation | — | — | Approved cosmetic ingredient; no concentration limit |
| FDA_OTC | — | — | Approved for cosmetic use; widely used, well-established safety |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter isopropyl stearate
- sunscreen
- moisturizer
- body_lotion
- foundation
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to Isopropyl stearate:
-
Plant-derived oils with established safety profiles (jojoba, squalane, shea butter)
Trade-offs: Consumer preference for 'natural' label; many natural fragrance compounds are potent allergens (limonene, linalool, eugenol); 'natural' ≠ 'safe'; often more expensive than synthetic equivalents.Relative cost: 2-5× conventional
-
Ceramide-based formulations (biomimetic skin barrier repair)
Trade-offs: Alternative emollient; skin feel, spreadability, and occlusion properties differ; comedogenicity should be assessed for facial use; stability in final formulation needs verification.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
-
Glycerin-based humectant systems as partial replacement
Trade-offs: Direct chemical substitution requires verification that the replacement does not introduce new hazards (regrettable substitution). Conduct full hazard assessment of proposed alternative before adoption.Relative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
What products contain isopropyl stearate?
Isopropyl stearate appears in: sunscreen; moisturizer; body lotion.
See Isopropyl stearate in the baby app
Look up products containing isopropyl stearate, compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- PubChem Compound CID 8154 — database
- ATSDR Toxicological Profile — CAS 112-10-7 — reference
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →