Diisostearyl Malate shows up in the chemical world as a fatty acid ester, recognized by its CAS number 144452-66-8. Within lipstick, lip balms, and a whole range of color cosmetics, this softening agent often takes the place of sticky, uncomfortable ingredients. The molecule blends malic acid, an organic compound found in many fruits, with isostearyl alcohols derived from plant sources like rapeseed. This blend provides a gentle, non-greasy touch, one sought out in formulations where texture can define the experience of a product. Consumers who look at ingredient lists for safety can appreciate its presence because it rarely causes irritation, fitting easily into modern demands for tolerability.
With a molecular formula of C45H86O6, Diisostearyl Malate boasts a hefty structure. Two branched-chain isostearyl alcohols connect to a central malic acid backbone, leading to a molecule that bends rather than stacks. Branches disrupt crystallization, explaining why this ingredient often shows up as a soft solid, flake, or thick viscous liquid, rather than a sharp, brittle mass. Drawing out the HS code, importers and manufacturers use 2918.19.0090 for customs and logistics; keeping track of this number ensures raw material flows easily across borders, reducing delays and cutting costs. Secure supply chains matter in the personal care space, so understanding these numbers isn’t just paperwork—it keeps people’s businesses moving.
Open a drum of Diisostearyl Malate, and you find a pale, off-white material. Its density lands near 0.90–0.92 g/cm3, lighter than water and less dense than many mineral oils. This property makes it glide on lips rather than sitting heavy, one reason consumers prefer the feeling over waxier alternatives. In manufacturing, the material’s softness at room temperature means it pours smoothly during blending. Its melting point hovers near 40°C, so rooms need cooling or climate control in the summer to keep raw material from pooling. It comes in flakes, pearl-like beads, or as a thick, sticky powder, depending on how suppliers process it. In solutions, this malate dissolves easily in non-polar oils and most cosmetic bases, but doesn’t play well with alcohol or water—its hydrophobic nature limits its use to oil-based systems. Cosmetic chemists learn this lesson quickly, reaching for Diisostearyl Malate when they need creamy texture without sacrificing stability or shelf life.
Most global safety agencies rate Diisostearyl Malate as non-hazardous under normal handling, storage, and transportation conditions. Eye and skin contact rarely lead to reactions, and inhalation of vapors isn’t a problem because it emits little to no fumes at ambient temperatures. Spills don’t demand hazmat suits: a mop and absorbent cloth usually clear it up. Raw material batches come with a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) that guides precautions, usually suggesting gloves if prolonged direct handling occurs. As demand for safer formulations grows, ingredients like Diisostearyl Malate rise on preferred supplier lists. From an environmental perspective, the synthesis relies on plant-derived alcohols, lowering the footprint compared to petroleum-sourced emollients. At end-of-life, it breaks down slowly in soil but doesn’t threaten groundwater or aquatic life like some persistent chemicals. These facts steer responsible sourcing and manufacturing in personal care facilities worldwide.
Companies hunting for smooth spreadability in their raw materials often land on Diisostearyl Malate. Lipstick production uses it to soften waxes, increasing payoff without feathering at the lip line. Skincare companies value its blending power for balms, pastes, and ointments where occlusion and skin feel matter equally. The ingredient also stabilizes pigment dispersions, keeping color true in both mass-market and luxury formulas. Powdered forms dust easily into pressed powders or foundation, adding richness without greasiness. Sourcing relies on dependable processing from vegetable-based feedstocks, supporting traceability demands as buyers ask tough questions about origin and sustainability. I’ve seen formulators select this ingredient for its skin compatibility profiles, especially for sensitive-skin or baby lines, after trialling cheaper alternatives that caused breakouts or stinging. Factoring in properties like melting point and density saves processing headaches, reducing waste in high-speed production.
Any raw material brings challenges, and Diisostearyl Malate is no exception. Its low melting point calls for temperature-controlled storage, especially in tropical regions, to avoid losses and leaks. Trans-esterification steps in synthesis warrant close oversight to exclude unwanted byproducts or contaminants; quality control teams must insist on batch transparency and third-party testing. If brands want vegan claims, suppliers need to provide paperwork certifying plant origin, as some isostearyl alcohols can come from animal fats unless strict controls are followed. Transport requires well-sealed drums or pails—exposed surfaces oxidize slowly over months, potentially changing texture. To support sustainability, buyers can request documentation on palm oil usage, as isostearyl alcohol frequently traces back to palm derivatives. Sustainable palm schemes, like RSPO certification, help address environmental concerns but require ongoing verification. In the end, a wide range of industries—including color cosmetics, skincare, and even select pharmaceuticals—stand to benefit from the right balance of safety, supply reliability, and traceable sourcing.
