| What is it? | Isoamyl cocoate is a non-oily, lightweight, silky emollient for all kinds of skincare, colour cosmetic, and hair care applications. It is an ester made from isoamyl alcohol and coconut oil. It is considered natural.
Trade names for Isoamyl cocoate include:
Isoamyl cocoate can be an alternative for cyclomethicone in some applications, but will not work well in formulations where the volatility (fast evaporating nature) of cyclomethicone is key to formulation performance. Isoamyl cocoate is non-volatile. |
| INCI | Isoamyl cocoate |
| Appearance | Clear, thin liquid. Water-like. |
| Usage rate | 1–30% |
| Texture | Smooth, thin, light, slippy. |
| Scent | Nothing distinct. |
| Absorbency Speed | Very fast |
| Approximate Melting Point | Liquid at room temperature. |
| Solubility | Isoamyl cocoate is oil soluble. Medium polarity. |
| Why do we use it in formulations? | Isoamyl cocoate helps soften and moisturize the skin without feeling greasy or oily. I love it in emulsions as an ultra-light alternative to oil (it’s considered an “oil free” emollient). Isoamyl cocoate also helps improve spreadability, reduce tack, and can help reduce the soaping effect in emulsions.
In haircare products, isoamyl cocoate can lighten anhydrous formulations, re-fat cleansers, and boost conditioning. |
| Do you need it? | No, but I would recommend having at least one lightweight liquid ester in your pantry. There’s no need to own both isoamyl cocoate and isoamyl laurate. |
| Refined or unrefined? | Isoamyl cocoate only exists as a refined product. |
| Strengths | Isoamyl cocoate is a light, non-greasy emollient that’s natural and feels downright lovely. |
| Weaknesses | It is hard to find. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | The best alternatives will be other light, liquid esters. Isoamyl laurate is very similar to isoamyl cocoate. Other alternatives include Neossance® Hemisqualane, Coco-Caprylate, and C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate. I don’t recommend Isopropyl Myristate as it has more of an “oily” feel.
If you don’t have any light liquid esters, a fast-absorbing carrier oil can work as well. Camellia Seed Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Hazelnut Oil could all work well. |
| How to Work with It | Include isoamyl cocoate in the oil phase of your formulations; it can be hot or cold processed. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, isoamyl cocoate should last at least 2 years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | You can also purchase a blend of isoamyl cocoate and isoamyl laurate; this product would work well as an alternative to the pure form of either ingredient. Bay House sells this in the UK, and Soap Oils & Herbs sells it in South Africa. |
| Recommended starter amount | 60–100mL (2–3.3 fl oz) |
| Where to Buy it | Buy it from an online DIY ingredient supplier. Mine is from New Directions Aromatics. |
Some Formulations that Use Isoamyl cocoate
- Green Tea Conditioning Hair & Body Butter
- Rich Herbal Body Cream
- Easy DIY Vitamin C Suspension (Just 3 ingredients!)
- Soft Oat Hand Lotion
