Phytosterols ●
TL;DR. This ingredient primarily functions as a skin-conditioning lipid that supports barrier feel, reduces dryness, and adds cushion to creams, balms, and oils. It can also help structure lipid phases in emulsions.
What does Phytosterols do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient primarily functions as a skin-conditioning lipid that supports barrier feel, reduces dryness, and adds cushion to creams, balms, and oils. It can also help structure lipid phases in emulsions.
Is Phytosterols clean?
This ingredient is generally well tolerated and is not a common clean-standard restriction concern. Sensitization is uncommon, though highly sensitive users can still react to any botanical-derived fraction.
Is Phytosterols sustainable?
This material is usually sourced from vegetable oils, pine-derived fractions, or other plant lipid streams, so renewable sourcing is a strength. It is expected to be biodegradable, with supply-chain quality depending on the crop source and traceability of the oil stream.
Is Phytosterols COSMOS-approved?
It is generally compatible with COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulas when produced from permitted plant raw materials using approved extraction and purification methods. It aligns well with Green Chemistry when sourced from renewable side streams and processed without high-concern solvents.
How does Phytosterols work chemically?
The molecule has a rigid tetracyclic hydrophobic core, an alkyl side chain, and one polar hydroxyl group, which lets it sit at oil and lamellar lipid interfaces. Typical use is about 0.1 to 2% in leave-on formulas, and it is oil-soluble, water-insoluble, and broadly stable across normal cosmetic pH ranges.
Last updated 2026-05-13