BETA-SITOSTEROLS ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a lipid-based skin-conditioning agent used to soften feel, support barrier-focused formulas, and add a mild soothing profile. It can also help structure oil phases in creams, balms, and anhydrous products.
What does BETA-SITOSTEROLS do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a lipid-based skin-conditioning agent used to soften feel, support barrier-focused formulas, and add a mild soothing profile. It can also help structure oil phases in creams, balms, and anhydrous products.
Is BETA-SITOSTEROLS clean?
From a clean-beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, not a common fragrance allergen, and has little restricted-list friction. The main quality check is documentation of source material, purification, and residual solvent controls when it is isolated rather than present as part of a whole oil.
Is BETA-SITOSTEROLS sustainable?
This material is commonly obtained from vegetable-oil and forestry-processing side streams, which can be a good use of existing biomass. It is a natural lipid with low persistence concern, while palm-linked sourcing benefits from certification and traceability.
Is BETA-SITOSTEROLS COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted in COSMOS-natural formulas and can fit COSMOS-organic formulas when natural or organic sourcing and approved processing are documented. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when made from renewable feedstocks with efficient purification and controlled solvent use.
How does BETA-SITOSTEROLS work chemically?
The molecule is a tetracyclic steroid alcohol with one hydroxyl group, making it oil-dispersible and essentially water-insoluble. It is typically used around 0.1% to 2% in emulsions and lipid systems, is nonionic across normal cosmetic pH ranges, and can be protected from slow oxidation with antioxidants and light-conscious packaging.
Last updated 2026-05-15