Common Name(s): Isosteareth-200 linoleate,peg-200 isostearyl linoleate ether

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps dissolve oily ingredients into water-based formulas at very high hlb.

Why It's Used: 200 eo units provides extremely high hlb (~18-19); near water-soluble; linoleate ester adds mild efa character and slightly reduces hlb from the pure ether value; used as a specialty high-hlb solubilizer.

How It Works: 200 eo units give hlb ~18-19; isostearyl branching prevents ether crystallization; linoleate ester reduces hlb slightly vs pure isosteareth-200; near water-soluble surfactant.

Typically Found In: Clear aqueous formulas,high-hlb solubilizer systems

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Solubilizing,surfactant

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–3%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - feedstock declaration required

Halal Status: Unverified - feedstock declaration required (plant, animal and petrochemical routes all exist)

Source Notes: Isostearyl alcohol synthetic; linoleic acid from plant; eo from petrochemical. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: origin-dependent: the same inci exists in plant, animal and petrochemical versions and the name does not discriminate. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Generally well tolerated.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Good safety profile. ewg score: 1–2.

Works Well With: Other high-hlb emulsifiers,fragrance solubilizers

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Isosteareth-200 (200 eo units on branched c18 isostearyl alcohol) has extremely high hlb; linoleate ester modification provides minor hlb adjustment and efa character; used in specialty solubilizer systems.

Last Verified: 2026-03-28

Primary Sources: Cosing database,inci dictionary