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Moumoujus

STEARYL ALCOHOL.

Valuable CAS 112-92-5 / EMULSION STABILISING, FRAGRANCE, OPACIFYING, REFATTING, SKIN CONDITIONING - EMOLLIENT, SURFACTANT - CLEANSING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, SURFACTANT - FOAM BOOSTING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Stearyl alcohol is a fatty alcohol that serves as a multi-functional ingredient in skincare, primarily acting as an emollient to soften and smooth the skin. It enhances product texture by increasing viscosity and stabilizes emulsions, ensuring consistent formulation.

Summary

emollient emulsifying emulsion stabilising foam boosting masking opacifying refatting surfactant viscosity controlling

Science

Mechanism of Action

On the skin, stearyl alcohol creates a protective barrier, effectively minimizing transepidermal water loss and thereby promoting lasting hydration. Within formulations, it functions as a thickener, contributing to a rich, creamy texture, and as an emulsifier, enabling the stable dispersion of oil and water components. It also aids in foam stabilization and imparts a smooth, lubricious feel to the skin surface.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.5–5%
Optimal

Typically effective between 1% and 5% for emollience, thickening, and emulsion stability.

Key findings

  1. 01 Functions as an emollient and thickener, yielding a smooth, rich texture in creams and lotions, promoting skin softness and moisture retention.
  2. 02 Acts as a co-emulsifier and foam stabilizer, contributing to a creamy texture in cleansers and supporting skin hydration.
  3. 03 Contributes to a balmy consistency and forms a protective film in lip balms and body butters, enhancing thickness and sustained hydration.
  4. 04 Demonstrated a dose-dependent improvement in imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation, reducing PASI scores and epidermal thickness in a mouse model.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

Stearyl alcohol is a widely used and well-understood cosmetic ingredient, not commonly associated with misleading marketing claims or 'dusting'.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

This ingredient is stable across a broad pH range, resisting degradation from acids and alkalis, and is not prone to rancidity. Optimal storage involves a cool, dry, well-closed container.

Conflicts

  • strong oxidizing agents

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Safe as used
Max tested
greater than 50%%
Sensitization risk Low

The CIR Expert Panel affirmed stearyl alcohol's safety for cosmetic use, including concentrations exceeding 50%. It shows a very low potential for skin irritation or sensitization, and studies have indicated no evidence of contact sensitization or comedogenicity. The FDA approves it for direct and indirect food addition and includes it in the Inactive Ingredients Guide for various pharmaceutical preparations. It has not been specifically reviewed by SCCS.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
Yes Oily
Yes Sensitive
Irritancy Low
Comedogenicity Low

Our Assessment

Verdict

Valuable

Stearyl alcohol is a valuable ingredient for enhancing formulation stability, texture, and delivering effective skin hydration across all skin types with a low risk of irritation.

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