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Moumoujus

CEROTIC ACID.

Valuable CAS 506-46-7 / VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

A long-chain saturated fatty acid (C26:0) that serves as a fundamental building block of the skin's protective barrier. Naturally occurring in beeswax and human sebum, it provides a high-performance occlusive shield to prevent dehydration and restore structural integrity to compromised skin.

Summary

Occlusive emollient Viscosity controlling agent Barrier restorative Skin-identical ingredient

Science

Mechanism of Action

Cerotic Acid functions through a dual-action pathway: it forms a breathable, hydrophobic film on the skin's surface to arrest moisture evaporation, while simultaneously integrating into the intercellular lamellar lipid matrix. This reinforces the lipid bilayer of the stratum corneum, enhancing the skin's natural resilience against environmental stressors.

Research

Clinical Evidence

High confidence
Effective range 3–15%
Optimal

10%

Key findings

  1. 01 Clinical observation of a 3-15% concentration (as a primary beeswax constituent) demonstrated significant reduction in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and restoration of the stratum corneum in atopic dermatitis patients.
  2. 02 Bio-mimetic analysis confirms Cerotic Acid constitutes approximately 10% of the total free fatty acids naturally present in the human skin barrier.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted
Min. effective
3%
Red flag below
1%

Because it is often included as a component of natural waxes rather than a pure isolate, brands may claim its benefits at sub-functional levels. For barrier repair efficacy, concentrations reflecting its natural 10% presence in skin lipids are optimal.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH 4.5 – 7
0 7 14

Stability

Highly stable in acidic to neutral environments. Formulation pH should remain below 8.0 to prevent saponification, which converts the acid into a soap.

Synergies

  • Cholesterol
  • Ceramides
  • Alkaline agents (for in-situ emulsification in cold creams)

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Highly alkaline substances
  • Cationic surfactants

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
56%
Pregnancy
Safe
Sensitization risk Low

Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA when derived from natural sources like beeswax.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Moderate

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

An essential skin-identical lipid for intensive barrier recovery and chronic dryness, though its moderate comedogenicity requires caution for acne-prone individuals.

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